Many mining companies recognise the HR and research advantages of fostering interest among university students. Fortescue Metals Group, for instance, has welcomed a group of under-graduate and post-graduate university students from two West Australian and two Chinese universities to its iron ore operations in Western Australia for the second annual China-Australia University tour.

Following the success of the pilot program in 2017, each of the four universities, the University of Western Australia, Curtin University’s WA School of Mines, Lingnan (University) College of Sun Yat-sen University, and Central South University in China welcomed the opportunity to participate again.

Two students from each university, accompanied by academic representatives, toured Fortescue’s mine sites and port and rail operations. The visit concluded with an innovation workshop in Perth with students contributing to discussions on new ideas and opportunities for improved safety, productivity and efficiency, based on their shared learnings.

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines said the tour was an opportunity to showcase Fortescue’s world-leading operations and assets and provide the students with first-hand insights into the company’s innovative mining processes.

“These students represent the next generation of the mining and resources sector and increasing cooperation and innovation, domestically and internationally, will be fundamental to ensuring a bright future for our industry. Fortescue is proud of our long term relations with stakeholders in China, based on a multifaceted approach to engagement. We strongly believe that by continuing to grow relationships between Australia and China, we can build on the successful relationship between our two countries.”