X marks the spot - Geology students gain mapping skills
About 30 University of Queensland and Australian National University students recently travelled to the North West’s rich mineral province braving the cold and spinifex to gain hands on experience in their Geological Field Mapping Course.
The excursion, proudly supported by Queensland Metals, was an excellent opportunity for the students to visit the area and learn the art of mapping the region’s vast natural resources.
While it may not rock everyone’s world, field mapping incorporates the key element of scientific process to geology, the science which deals with the physical structure and substance of the earth, its history and the processes which act on it.
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University students undertaking field mapping exercises.
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(Left to right): University students Sam Mann, Dean Bennett and Adam Marinas enjoying the course.
Over the course of 15 days, the geology students went out in the field to observe, investigate, interpret and record important information about the different rock types, structures and formations that outcrop in the MICA Creek and Lake Moondarra areas.
These excursions are a great way to put the students' theoretical skills learned at university into practice and also gives them the chance to meet with and hear from some of our Queensland Metals graduates.
Queensland Metals Australian Exploration Manager, Trevor Shaw, says the opportunity for the university students to connect with other graduates is important and assists in their journey to securing employment following completion of their studies.
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The students spent valuable time traversing the North West region.
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(Left to right): Student Hector Hilberto, Mount Isa Mines Isabella Spiers, Daniel Vecchio-Ruggari, Lachie Sharp and student Matt Schuler.
“The excursion to Mount Isa was an excellent way for students to understand what a career as a geologist might look like,” says Trevor.
“It’s really good to see the students enthusiastically embracing the practical ‘boots on the ground’ approach to the science.”
“Geologists play a very important role in our mining and processing operations and Queensland Metals is proud to be able to be a part of their learning experience.’
Trevor says a number of Mount Isa Mines Graduate Geologists including Lachie Sharp and Isabella Spiers joined the students for several days in the Mica Creek area and guided them as they undertook their mapping tasks.
Mount Isa Mines Graduate Geologists Isabella Spiers and Lachie Sharp and university student Solomon Jones.
“Our graduates have just embarked on their careers so this provided a great experience for them to work with the students and impart what they’ve learned so far,” says Trevor.
“We’re always on the lookout for highly motivated and talented people so we hope some of these budding young geologists consider applying for a graduate position with us after university.”