Fortescue's China-Australia University tour increases collaboration and innovation with the next generation of mining professionals

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) welcomed a group of post-graduate university students from Western Australian and Chinese universities to its operations as part of the Company’s annual China-Australia University tour.

The successful initiative, now in its third year, brought together students from The University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University’s WA School of Mines, Minerals and Chemical Engineering (WASM – MECE), Lingnan (University) College of Sun Yat-sen University, and Central South University in China.

Accompanied by academic representatives, the tour showcased Fortescue’s world class Cloudbreak mine site and port and rail operations, with the program tailored to the group’s area of study and experience. The students also visited Fortescue’s Vocational Training and Employment Centre in Karratha to gain an insight into Fortescue’s commitment to provide training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The visit, which included networking events hosted at UWA and Curtin, concluded with an innovation workshop in Perth with students contributing new ideas and opportunities for improved safety, productivity and efficiency.

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, said “Fortescue is a top 100 graduate employer in Australia and the next generation of mining professionals have an important role to play internationally. The annual tour aims to increase cooperation and innovation across the mining and resources industry and build on Fortescue’s longstanding relationship with stakeholders in China.

“The China-Australia University tour is an excellent example of Fortescue’s multifaceted approach to engagement. We strongly believe that by continuing to build connections between Australia and China, we can deepen the relationship between our two countries

“The annual tour is also an important opportunity to strengthen Fortescue’s partnerships with Western Australia’s leading universities and we are very pleased that participants in our program are now members of a growing cohort of students from these four esteemed universities,” Ms Gaines said.

UWA Associate Director of Industry Engagement Paul Collings said, “The program provided an excellent opportunity for young people to bring ideas from their specialised fields, and expand their knowledge at Fortescue, a top 100 graduate employer in Australia.

“The initiative will further enrich cultural linkages between China and Western Australia and we look forward to seeing our students benefit from industry experience through this program.”

Curtin’s Head of WASM – MECE, Vishnu Pareek, said “Sun Yet-sen and Central South University are two of China’s premier universities.

“The visit of the Chinese delegation, and their interactions with our staff and students has the potential to open up new collaborative research opportunities for our School with both universities, especially in the area of iron ore beneficiation,” Mr Pareek said.