CQUniversity welcomes BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) funding announcement

Published:17 June 2020

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp has welcomed the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) funding announcement.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) continues to support and invest in regional Queensland with the announcement of $2.3 million in funding towards research, training, and innovation.

The investment will support the appointment of a General Manager of the newly established Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) and Chair of Automation and Future Work Skills at CQUniversity in Mackay.

The roles will play an important part in the future of the mining and METS sector in Queensland by helping to establish the RCOE as a world-class mining centre in Mackay and supporting CQUni to deliver future-focussed training and education.

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the financial contribution of BMA, coupled with CQUniversity’s existing research expertise, would supercharge the regional impact of the RCOE.

“The CQU Chair will play a critical role in producing and overseeing research that can be applied directly to the future sustainability of the resource sector and regional workforces, in Central Queensland and beyond. I thank BMA for their vision in supporting the creation of this role.”

CQUniversity Associate Vice-President NQ Region Pierre Viljoen, said a crucial element of the research is about training and education.

“We need to ensure that the training and education provided will prepare our people for new and exciting jobs as industries continue to innovate.”

BMA Asset President James Palmer said the investment would assist the region in continuing to be a global player in skills and training, research, and innovation in the mining and METs sector.

Chairman of the RCOE board, Tony Caruso, said the support of the industry will be vital as jobs change.

“The support of BMA and our collaboration with CQUniversity will enable the region to play an integral role in shaping the mines of the future.”

The Centre will open in July 2020.