Student Journal - UWA Student Chapter - Mining and Minerals Engineering Students Vacation Work
During my vacation placement at Gold Fields, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Civil: Tailings Department, working both in the corporate office in Perth and on-site at the Gruyere Gold Mine. During this role, I gained extensive experience with tailings and ground engineering projects, which helped me see how classroom concepts actually work in the real world. By splitting my time between office work and site visit I gained knowledge about how mining waste dump facilities operate, how different materials behave and stockpiled, and how to evaluate potential hazards. Working under the guidance of experienced professionals, I reviewed the company’s Stage 5 raise construction of the singular Tailings Storage Facility at Gruyere and contributed to the development of a TSF Construction Material Management Plan.
My office work primarily revolved around data management, risk assessments, reviewing and reporting. One of my key contributions was assisting in the development of a Risk Dashboard conceptual framework which would be further implemented using Power BI. The information was consolidated using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) data for all TSFs in Gold Fields portfolio. Additionally, I played a role in materiality assessments, benchmarking Gold Field’s mineral reserve classifications against other New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listed gold companies. I also aided in the preparation of the Annual Disclosure Report which would show all the kinds of data related to inactive and active TSFs. I also saw how the senior management at Tailings were reviewing and compiling data related to TSFs, ensuring compliance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
On-site at Gruyere, I was immersed in real-world mining operations and TSF construction. I participated in daily pre-start meetings, weekly TSF collaboration discussions, and hands-on inspections of the TSF embankment. Observing the compaction trials and reviewing stability assessments deepened my appreciation for geotechnical principles and the complexities of embankment zoning, seepage management, and material placement. I also had the opportunity to ride along with a haul truck operator, visit the processing plant, and engage with the geology and the mining teams. These experiences allowed me to witness how different disciplines integrate to maintain the efficiency and safety of mining operations. Furthermore, reviewing traffic management plans, conducting quality inspections, and working on tailings facility compliance provided me with a broader perspective on the operational and environmental aspects of mining.
Reflecting on my time at Gold Fields, I learned a lot from experienced employees in different fields who were willing to share their knowledge. It taught me the value of working together. The structured workflows, cross-disciplinary communications, and shared accountability highlighted the necessity of a collective approach to problem solving. This placement helped me build relationships with industry professionals and gain a better understanding of how mining careers develop. Most importantly, I learned that engineering in the mining industry is about more than just technical work- it is about carefully managing resources in a responsible way, from planning to actual mining or tailings operations. This work gave me a clear sense of purpose and made me excited about building a career in the tailings sector. I am now eager to continue learning about finding improvements on how we work can in this field.
