A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Curtin University, Carey Mining Pty Ltd. and the Australian Aboriginal Mining Academy (AAMA), paving the way for the three organisations to work together to advance education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in services that support the resources sector.
The purpose of the AAMA is to provide mine site-based training and educational opportunities to Aboriginal people who wish to improve their skill sets so they can secure real and enduring opportunities in the mining industry. It will focus on training for both white and blue-collar roles.
AAMA Founder and Carey Mining Managing Director, Daniel Tucker, said mining has occurred in Kalgoorlie for approximately 125 years, and is home to Curtin’s WA School of Mines, which is recognised as one of the most respected and prestigious providers of courses of study for the global mining industry. Therefore the location of the AAMA was a conscious move.
“It was only natural to consider the Goldfields region for the Academy,” Mr Tucker said.
Curtin’s WA School of Mines Kalgoorlie Director, Sabina Shugg, also commented that the University was committed to working with industry to encourage more students into careers in the mining and resources sector.
“We are delighted to be working with the AAMA and Carey Mining to help inspire the future Indigenous mining workforce and develop pathways into Curtin University,” Ms Shugg said.
“This exciting partnership will seek ways to combine outreach programs, enabling courses and the expertise of Curtin’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies to strengthen and support the education opportunities available for Indigenous people in the Kalgoorlie-Goldfields region.”
Earlier this year, Carey Mining received a $166,980 Government Regional Economic Development Grant from the McGowan Government to undertake a study on current and future education and training needs of the Goldfields resources sector – a first step towards establishing an Aboriginal Mining Academy.
The study is currently underway and is expected to be completed by March 2020.
For more information about the AAMA, please visit here.