MinRes, Curtin bolster intern partnership

Mineral Resources and Curtin University have agreed to a new partnership aimed at developing upcoming talent for jobs in the critical minerals space.

MinRes managing director Chris Ellison and Curtin University vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne signed a memorandum of understanding for the arrangement on Monday.

The pair hope the new program, between the ASX-listed miner and Western Australia’s largest university, will bring up-and-coming talent into the critical minerals industry. 

The initiative will focus largely on establishing more internship opportunities between Curtin students and MinRes, with current interns already contributing towards the development of autonomous road trains. 

It's hoped the arrangement will give students practical experience in the mining industry during their studies.

Mr Ellison said the partnership would help develop the next generation of talent for jobs of the future.

“This partnership will also bring together the brightest minds at MinRes and Curtin University to find solutions to real-world challenges in the mining industry," he said.

“Together, we will accelerate the cutting-edge innovation we’re both known for, which is a key ingredient of our shared successes.”

MinRes, which operates the Mt Marion and Wodgina lithium mines, has pitched in $2 million for a minerals research commercialisation hub being developed by Curtin.

Professor Hayne described MinRes as a highly valued partner.

“Working in partnership with MinRes will help us to deliver the skills and the future workforce we need to realise the potential benefits from these resources, all essential components of clean energy technologies,” she said.