AusIMM Central Victoria Regional Symposium
The 7th Regional Symposium: “Narrow Vein 2022” continued in the strong tradition of showcasing technical innovation and excellence in exploration and mining to industry professionals and students in regional Victoria.
Jointly hosted by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Central Victoria Branch and the Federation University’s Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, the August event brought together a group of over 80 minerals industry delegates to hear about new ways of approaching gold narrow vein old and new problems.
Held at Federation University’s Mount Helen Campus in Ballarat, the event continued to build on the connection between industry, its future graduates, and research.
Formal proceedings were opened by Joshua Greene, Chair of the AusIMM Central Victorian Branch before the warm welcoming address of Professor Chris Hutchison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Federation University Australia.
Professor Chris Hutchison said that the event represented:
“The history of the AusIMM almost parallels the history of Federation University.”
Image: Professor Chris Hutchison (Research and Innovation) of Federation University Australia.
The AusIMM proudly defines itself as ‘Leadership for Resource Professionals’ and continues this important endeavour through such branch organised events.
The regional symposium marks a key event on the year’s calendar for the AusIMM Central Victoria Branch by providing the key forum for its members and guests to network, drive discussion, learn from experiences, and create opportunities for graduates and staff. This emphasises the commitment of the AusIMM Central Victorian Branch to the development of the next generation of mining professionals.
Image: Delegates from leading industries, professional bodies and Federation University in the morning session.
Image: Federation University students with the industry representative Justin Spalding (second from the left), mine geologist, CMOC-Northparkes Mines.
The Symposium provided a wealth of topics across a diverse field of the resources profession. Topics included new and novel approaches such as:
- Advances in narrow vein geology understanding in Victoria
- Characterisation of seismicity and deformation
- Uses of pre-concentration in gravity gold
- JORC Code Updates
- Narrow vein mining innovation and
- Narrow vein ore processing challenges.
Dave Clark, AusIMM President said:
"AusIMM proudly connect and up skills our professionals, who are committed to a safe and sustainable and responsible industry. We are focused on delivering world class content for everybody in mining, helping to support successful careers within our sector. And this includes conferences, online courses and local gatherings such as this.”
Image: Dave Clark, AusIMM President.
The formal proceedings of the day ended with the Branch’s Presidents Dinner, where networking was the focus. Dave Clark gave a President’s Address highlighting the future challenges and opportunities for the AusIMM and Mineral Industry, while presentation was given by special guest Professor Thomas Baumgartl, Director of Future Research Centre (FRRC), Federation University on the topic of “Mining Tailings Rehabilitation” to inspire thought and discussion.
Image: Professor Thomas Baumgartl, Director of Future Research Centre (FRRC), Federation University.
Feedback from another successful symposium highlights the continued need for such forums to bring the community of resource professionals together, catch up face-to-face with colleagues, and exchange ideas and experiences.
The AusIMM Central Victoria Branch would like to thank all our sponsors and volunteers, in particular the in-kind support from our co-host Federation University, our major sponsor and 2022 partner Agnico Eagle, Regional Symposium sponsor Gekko Systems, and President Dinner sponsor Australia Mineral & Waterwell Drilling. Their support allows these event to be a reality.
We look forward to welcoming delegates back in 2023 for what looks to be another exciting and rewarding year.