Student Journal - Kalgoorlie Student Chapter - Mining Engineering Students Reflection on Vacation Work

Bio
My name is Martin Halim, and I’m a penultimate Mining Engineering student at the WA School of Mines – Curtin University.

I’m originally from Indonesia and was privileged to receive a full scholarship to study in Australia at one of the world’s most renowned Mining Schools. Since high school, I have been deeply fascinated by Earth sciences and the dynamic processes that shape our planet and sustain life.

This passion led me to pursue Mining Engineering, where Earth sciences are applied in a practical way to support human progress. What drew me to this field is its real-world impact - mining is one of humankind’s oldest industries and remains essential to modern life and development.

As part of my studies at Curtin, I had the opportunity to move to Kalgoorlie for my third and fourth year. Living in this historic mining town has given me invaluable insight into the industry, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a mining professional and further solidifying my passion for this career path.

Beyond academics, I have been actively involved in student-led organisations. I previously served as Vice President of the AusIMM Curtin Student Chapter and Men’s Team Captain for the WASM Wallabies, and I am currently Vice President of the AusIMM Kalgoorlie Student Chapter while competing as a member of the WASM Wombats in the International Mining Games.

This summer, I have been given the incredible opportunity to work in underground mining with Barminco at Sunrise Dam, an underground and open-pit gold mine owned by AngloGold Ashanti. This hands-on experience is allowing me to develop my skills in underground operations as I prepare for a career in the mining industry.

Article
This summer, I had the opportunity to work as an underground truck operator with Barminco at Sunrise Dam, AngloGold Ashanti’s underground and open pit mine. This hands-on experience gave me invaluable insight into the mining industry, allowing me to see classroom concepts come to life in a real-world setting.

My vacation program began with an induction at Barminco’s Head Office in Hazelmere, Western Australia. Here, new starters were introduced to FIFO life, basic firefighting skills, hazard identification in an underground mine, safety protocols, and fundamental truck driving techniques. A key part of the training involved using Barminco’s Advanced Truck Driver Simulator, which provided a realistic experience of operating a truck underground. Additionally, we utilised virtual reality (VR) technology, allowing us to immerse ourselves in an underground mining environment. Through VR, we learned to identify potential hazards and key safety considerations, enhancing our awareness before setting foot on site. I also completed a week-long induction at Sunrise Dam, designed to familiarise myself with the site's working and living environment for the duration of my vacation program. This induction provided valuable opportunities to engage with experienced professionals who have honed their skills in the industry.

I also had the privilege of speaking with several WA School of Mines alumni, gaining valuable advice and insights into my career and professional growth. One of the most exciting aspects was meeting the Drill and Blast team, all of whom are engineers who graduated from the same university as I did. Additionally, I had the opportunity to speak with the Project Manager, who shared their career journey, from a vacation student to a leadership role, offering inspiring insights into career progression within the industry.

My Daily Routine
My 2:1 roster involved two weeks on-site (alternating weekly between night and day shifts, with a single rest day between shifts) and one week off-site. On shift, my day began at 4:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. with a quick shower and meal before catching the 4:45 p.m. (night shift) or 5:00 a.m. (day shift) site bus. Mandatory pre-shift meetings provided crucial updates on mine conditions, priorities, hazards, and critical focus areas, also serving as a valuable forum for raising concerns with supervisors.

Underground, I maintained constant communication with other personnel via radio calls, adhering to the traffic management plan for efficient haulage. Working with the bogger, I hauled ore and waste to designated stockpiles, liaising with mine control on progress. Vehicle maintenance, including washing light vehicles and trucks before their daily workshop service, was also a responsibility. The shift concluded when mine control directed me to tram the truck to the Go-bay or arranged transport. The fatigue of a 12-hour shift was often offset by the beautiful sunrise or sunset visible upon emerging from the mine.

Favourite Moments
My vacation program was filled with memorable experiences. I particularly enjoyed connecting with people, learning about their roles, and observing their work while driving. Sharing meals with my crew and witnessing the sunrise or sunset after a long shift was always a highlight. Even the unexpected moments, like getting lost underground on my first day (alone in the truck!), spending time in the refuge chamber during a power outage, and the challenge of blind spot practicals in a big dump truck, added to the experience. Conversations about professional development and industry insights were invaluable, as was the flight back to Perth after my two weeks on site.

Key Learnings from the Program:

• Gained a comprehensive understanding of underground operations and the diverse roles and responsibilities within the team.
• Recognised that effective communication is a skill requiring continuous development.
• Learned the importance of positive communication in a professional environment.
• Understood the value of seeking clarification rather than making assumptions.
• Emphasised the importance of pausing to thoughtfully consider situations before acting.
• Reinforced the principle that safety is a shared responsibility.
• Developed a stronger understanding of the importance of teamwork.
• Learned to be proactive and speak up when something appears incorrect or unsafe.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Barminco for the opportunity to work as a vacation student at Sunrise Dam, and for the support provided by Barminco staff and site personnel throughout the program. I am eager for future vacation opportunities to further develop my knowledge of the mining industry.