New developments in the Australian mining education

The Australian mining industry is responsible for more than 50% of the export revenues and is the largest exporter of black coal and the second largest exporter of iron ore in the world. As a major export player on the world minerals markets, the Australian mining industry delivers significant benefits to the Australian economy. Graduating good quality engineers for such an important industry requires world-class education. Mining Education Australia (MEA) was developed to deliver a common undergraduate curriculum in mining engineering across Australia. This unique initiative was developed in response to increased demand for mining industry professionals in an environment of limited funding within the traditional university environment and a critical shortage of suitably qualified academic staff. MEA is an unincorporated joint venture between The University of Queensland, The University of New South Wales and Curtin University in Western Australia. In 2009, The University of Adelaide became a member of the MEA Program. This paper discusses the history and governance of MEA as well as the structure of the common curriculum and teaching innovations adopted.