Funding will develop graduates' leadership skills and provide extensive industry knowledge
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has received a transformative $1.25 million grant from the NSW Minerals Council to strengthen and modernise its mining engineering program over the next five years.
This strategic investment will enable UOW to deliver a cutting-edge curriculum, expand student leadership and industry engagement opportunities, and position graduates at the forefront of a rapidly evolving resources sector.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences Senior Professor Gursel Alici, said the generous investment from the NSW Minerals Council will support the implementation of a five-year plan to modernise the curriculum, grow student enrolments, enhance the student experience and strengthen industry partnerships.
"From its earliest days the University of Wollongong has played a pivotal role in training mining professionals, working with industry partners to ensure our graduates are ready to meet real-world challenges," Professor Alici said.
"This strategic partnership with the NSW Minerals Council comes at a pivotal moment as UOW celebrates its 50th anniversary and highlights a shared goal to developing mining professionals equipped with the advanced skills needed for the industry's future.
"The partnership will enable us to embed emerging technologies, sustainability practices, and innovative approaches throughout our program, ensuring UOW mining graduates continue to be highly sought after by employers."
UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu said this partnership will align with the industry needs of the future.
"This partnership with the NSW Minerals Council is a vital step in modernising mining education and research at UOW," Professor Lu Said.
"Together with industry, we're shaping a curriculum that reflects emerging technologies, sustainability practices and the evolving needs of the sector. This investment will help us equip students with the leadership capabilities, real-world experience and deep technical knowledge needed to succeed in a future-focused resources industry.
"It also enables us to open up opportunities for a more diverse generation of mining professionals — creating pathways for students from all backgrounds to contribute to a sector that remains critical to Australia's economy and clean energy transition."
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said: "Our member companies rely on a pipeline of talented mining engineers, and UOW has a proven track record of producing graduates who are ready to contribute from day one.
"This investment secures that pipeline and supports the ongoing development of a program crucial to the future of the NSW mining industry."
