A new vision for postgraduate education in mining

Australia’s resources sector is operating in an environment of increasing complexity. Technological advancement, heightened safety and regulatory expectations, deeper and more geotechnically challenging operations, and persistent skills shortages are reshaping what “industry-ready” capability looks like.

While undergraduate mining engineering programs remain critical, industry feedback consistently highlighted a widening gap for the existing workforce, particularly engineers transitioning into mining from cognate disciplines and professionals stepping into more senior, site-based roles.

“Attracting the next generation of engineers remains critical - but equally important is how we develop the capability of the workforce we already have, in roles that are becoming more complex every year.” 

Owen Edmunds,
Head of Technical Department, Metallurgical Coal Division, Mitsubishi Development
Industry Advisory Committee member, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering

This challenge formed the starting point for UQ’s Resource Development postgraduate programs.
 

Rather than adapting an existing academic model, UQ chose a co design approach grounded in sustained industry engagement.

A dedicated curriculum working group, comprising academic leaders and industry practitioners, met throughout the development process to translate workforce capability needs into structured learning outcomes. Industry partners played a direct role in shaping:

• priority knowledge areas
• expectations for applied and work integrated learning
• delivery models suitable for professionals working full time
• foundational engineering knowledge and mining value chain understanding to support transition into mining for professionals from cognate engineering and technical disciplines

“Mining education has always evolved alongside the industry. What’s changed is the pace. These programs are about ensuring our graduates and professionals are ready for the realities of today’s operations, not yesterday’s.” 

Professor Ross McAree,
Head of School, Mechanical and Mining Engineering

Thiess, a global mining services provider, played a foundational role in the development of the Resource Development postgraduate programs. Through early investment and a formal partnership with UQ, Thiess supported the program’s approval and initial delivery, helping establish specialised postgraduate mining education aligned with industry need.

Through a formal partnership with UQ, Thiess:

• collaborated on curriculum design
• contributed operational insight from active mine sites
• supported staff participation through sponsored enrolments
• enabled work-integrated learning aligned to real operational challenges

“This partnership brings together our technical specialists and learning capability with UQ’s academic expertise. The result is education that’s flexible, practical, and directly aligned to how mining actually operates today.”

Peter Rule,
Operations Director – Australia East, Thiess
 

Industry feedback made one message clear: professional development in mining is not one size fits all.

The Resource Development program was deliberately designed as a stackable pathway, enabling professionals to enter and advance based on their background, experience and career stage. 

Participants can commence with the Graduate Certificate in Resource Development (Mining Foundations) or the Graduate Certificate in Resource Development (Mining Operations) and, where appropriate, stack both the Graduate Certificates to complete the Graduate Diploma in Resource Development (Mining).

Each qualification can be completed as a standalone credential or combined as part of a staged learning pathway, supporting progressive capability development without interrupting employment.

A structured entry point into mining for professionals from cognate engineering and technical disciplines.

Mining Foundations is designed for professionals transitioning into the resources sector from chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, mechatronic disciplines and other technical backgrounds. The program provides a supported introduction to mining concepts, language and systems, enabling participants to contextualise their existing expertise within a mining environment. Through its integrated courses, the program is designed to support capability development across areas such as:

• the mining value chain and core mining systems
• orebody fundamentals and introductory mine planning concepts relevant to operational decision-making
• applied mining geomechanics in surface and underground contexts
• safety and sustainability relevant to mining operations
• professional communication within site-based and multidisciplinary teams

By establishing shared technical language and foundational context, Mining Foundations is intended to reduce ramp‑up time for professionals new to mining and support more effective integration into operational teams, without requiring a career break.

“I found the foundations part of the program really integral to building my base knowledge, which is important in my day-to-day because I previously didn’t have anything to base off coming from a maintenance background.”

Sophia 
Graduate from Graduate Certificate in Mining Foundations 

Applied postgraduate study focused on strengthening operational and decision-making capability, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement in active mine environments.

Mining Operations is designed for professionals with existing mining knowledge who are seeking to work in, or preparing for, operational roles on site.  The program places strong emphasis on application, using current mining scenarios to link technical principles with operational decision‑making. Across its courses, the program is designed to develop capability that supports professional practice in areas such as:

• production planning and short-to-medium term scheduling
• drilling and blasting systems and their operational interfaces
• fleet management, utilisation, optimisation and identification of constraints
• geotechnical design considerations and risk management in operational contexts
• data informed analysis to support improvement

Courses are delivered using work integrated learning approaches, drawing on realistic datasets and scenarios from current mining operations. Learning is supported by an intensive Brisbane based workshop that provides opportunities for peer learning, applied problem-solving and direct engagement with academic staff and industry leading practitioners.

Rather than teaching isolated techniques, Mining Operations is designed to strengthen how professionals apply judgement within the constraints, risks and challenges of real mine environments.

“I’ve found the Mining Operations courses challenging but rewarding as they’ve tied directly into my work and allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the operations I’ve been at.”

Dean
Graduate from Graduate Certificate in Mining Operations 

The Graduate Diploma enables professionals to stack the Graduate Certificates in Resource Development (Mining Foundations) and (Mining Operations) into a single qualification, supporting deeper integration of learning across mining contexts while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.

Students aren’t just learning concepts, they’re applying them to problems that look and feel like their day to day work on site.

“The content in the course relates really well to my role. Attending the Brisbane based intensive workshop gave me the opportunity to step away from day to day work and spend focused time learning about best practice from industry professionals.”

Hayden
Current student in the Graduate Diploma in Mining
 

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The Resource Development program is designed to evolve alongside the sector.

Our partnership with Thiess has established a model that can be scaled, one that supports engineers transitioning into mining, strengthens operational capability across industry workforces, and keeps education grounded in the realities of active mine sites.

With sustained industry investment and a commitment to ongoing co-design, we see this as a long-term contribution to a more resilient and future-ready workforce for Queensland and beyond. 

“This isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about building long-term capability for an industry that underpins Australia’s economy.” 

Professor Ross McAree,
Head of School, Mechanical and Mining Engineering

Looking to build capability across your workforce? Talk to us about partnership and sponsored enrolment.

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