Student Journal - Tasmania Student Chapter - Mechanical Engineering Students Vacation Work

From Passion to Practice: My Journey into Mining Engineering and BHP

My interest in the energy and resources industry started with a site visit to Cement Australia’s Railton plant. I saw the entire operation—except for the open-cut mine itself. That one missing piece naturally sparked my curiosity. I wanted to see an underground mining operation firsthand.

I grew up in Tasmania and am currently studying mechanical engineering, with a strong interest in the mechanical projects and large-scale infrastructure that keep mining operations running. Seeing the heavy machinery, processing plants, and large-scale mechanical systems at Railton made me wonder what opportunities existed in larger mines on the mainland.

So, in my second year of university, I attended the AusIMM Student Meets Industry (SMI) Night—alone. I had no idea what to expect, but I sat down at a table with industry members and started listening to their stories. They spoke about working on massive projects, travelling internationally, and solving real-world engineering challenges in a dynamic industry. That night, I signed myself up for the West Coast Mine Tours occurring later that year.

By the time my third year rolled around, I was determined to find a way to go beyond just touring a mine—I wanted to work in one. I enrolled in geology and soil mechanics electives, eager to build a foundation in the field. I also took on the role of Vice President of the AusIMM Student Chapter, which connected me with more industry professionals and gave me the confidence to start reaching out directly for opportunities.

Through AusIMM, I made a contact who had worked with BHP’s Underground Mining Team at Prominent Hill. I asked how I could get a position there, and with nothing to lose, I started sending emails—every week for a month. Eventually, I got a reply:

"Your interview is tomorrow."

And obviously, if you’re reading this, you know how that turned out.

Now, I was mentally preparing for an 8-days-on, 6-days-off FIFO roster, with 12-hour shifts, in the middle of the desert, where summer temperatures were double what I was used to in Hobart. It was going to be tough, but it was all new—and that was exciting.

Figure 1:  The view every morning

My Time at BHP

My internship at BHP’s Prominent Hill came at an exciting time for the site. The operation was in the final stages of mining the crusher chamber and shaft, making room for a new underground primary crusher—a massive project that would fundamentally change ore handling at the mine. Being there during such a pivotal stage meant I had the opportunity to see firsthand how large-scale underground infrastructure is developed, from the drilling and blasting of the chamber to the logistical challenges of installing a major piece of processing equipment a kilometre underground.

I was part of the Production Drill & Blast team, whose role is to produce drill plans and charge plans to fire stopes according to the mine design. This meant I was directly involved in the process of turning rock into broken ore, ensuring that the planned extractions were executed safely and efficiently. I worked closely with the team to understand how drill patterns were designed, how charge plans were optimised for fragmentation and recovery, and the coordination required between engineering, operations, and survey teams to execute each blast.

One of the highlights of the internship was the sheer amount of exposure we had across different aspects of the operation. We didn’t just stay in the office—we got to see every part of the mine. We went down the underground shaft, visited the processing plant and mill, and saw critical infrastructure like the tailings dam and the electrical substation. Spending time with different teams, including Geotechnical, Survey, and Production, gave me a well-rounded view of how all the different disciplines work together to keep an underground mine running efficiently. I assisted with survey markups and scans, observed drill rigs and charge crews in operation, and gained hands-on experience in the logistics of underground mining.

My two main projects during the internship were focused on improving efficiency and cutting costs. The first involved developing an automated Excel tool to optimise emulsion usage in drill holes, improving accuracy and eliminating time-consuming manual top-ups. The second project saw me using my mechanical design skills to 3D model and draft a conveyor underpass roof, which would have otherwise been contracted out. Both projects allowed me to apply my engineering background in a practical setting while contributing real value to the operation.

Beyond the work itself, the culture at Prominent Hill was a huge part of what made the experience so enjoyable. After long days underground, we would unwind by playing soccer, pickleball, and cooling off in the pool—something that made the FIFO lifestyle feel like more than just work. The camaraderie extended beyond the office and underground; the entire team was great to be around both on and off-site. It was a good balance of long 12 hours days and fun, which made the whole experience even more rewarding.

This internship wasn’t just about learning technical skills—it was about understanding the underground mining environment, the teamwork that makes it successful, and the lifestyle that comes with it.

Figure 2: Standing in the middle of the crusher chamber

Looking Back – And What You Can Learn

And so here I am, having completed my internship. Looking back, it might seem like luck that all these puzzle pieces just happened to fall into place. But really, it was just me chasing something I was interested in and pushing myself to make the right moves along the way.

If I hadn’t gone to the SMI Night, I wouldn’t have had the conversations that led me to signing up for the West Coast Mine Tours. If I hadn’t reached out and kept following up, I wouldn’t have landed the interview. And if I hadn’t picked electives that actually related to mining, I probably wouldn’t have been considered for the role in the first place.

So, if you’re thinking about getting into mining, just go for it. Go to events, talk to people, ask questions—it’s way easier to get opportunities when you actually put yourself out there. Even if you’re a mechanical engineer, taking mining or geology electives will make a difference. And don’t be afraid to message people or companies to show you’re keen.

And when it comes to the interview, the flight to a new state, and stepping into 12-hour FIFO shifts underground—just back yourself. Because if you made it that far, you earned it.

Figure 3: My fellow intern Lorraine and I in a loader bucket at the bottom of the open pit.