Student Journal - Sydney Student Chapter - Mining Engineering & Finance Students Vacation Work
During my vacation work at Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operations, I had the opportunity to experience the day-to-day operations of a world-class open-pit gold mine. This 12-week placement was an invaluable experience that bridged the gap between the theoretical knowledge I gained at university and its practical application in the industry.
I spent most of my time working with the production engineering team, where a significant aspect of my role involved advancing my skills in Deswik CAD. I worked on designing temporary ramps, stockpile reclaims, and dumps, ensuring these designs were integrated into the MineStar system for operational use. These projects were particularly rewarding, as I saw my contributions transition from initial computer designs to real-world application in the pit.
In addition to design work, I worked on tasks such as preparing the 36-hour plans and weekly plans, which gave me valuable insight into the importance of planning and coordination in optimising production. These tasks taught me how various factors, such as equipment availability and water levels, must be carefully managed to meet production targets for ounces mined.
One of the highlights of my placement was my time in drill and blast. Spending time in the pit with the blast crew provided firsthand exposure to how shots are loaded and the processes involved in executing blasts. This experience gave me a much deeper understanding than what can be gained from reviewing designs in the office. The crew was also great to work with, making the experience both insightful and enjoyable. Additionally, I had the opportunity to compile and present the blast review on handover day, which was a valuable exercise in communication and presenting technical findings. I also obtained my drone license, allowing me to fly and film the blasts which added a unique and hands-on aspect to my role.
Another standout moment was visiting the gold room and seeing a gold pour. Watching the process was fascinating and a privilege not many people get. I also found it interesting to learn that the Australian Open trophies use silver sourced from Cowal.
One thing I really enjoyed about my time at Cowal was the culture on site. Everyone was approachable and willing to share their knowledge, which made it easy to learn and feel like part of the team. I was given meaningful work from the start, which ensured I was constantly learning and contributing every day. This definitely made the twelve-hour shifts go by faster.
Overall, my vacation work at Cowal was a rewarding experience. It provided me with a solid understanding of open-pit mining, helped me develop my technical skills, and gave me a clearer picture of what a career in mining engineering might look like. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity.
