UNSW students win 2 gold medals in 2024 National Mining Games

Earlier this month, students from the AusIMM Sydney Student Chapter proudly represented UNSW at the 2024 National Mining Games and New Leaders Summit in Brisbane. It was an opportunity to showcase their technical skills, network with industry professionals, and learn from inspiring leaders across the mining sector.

New Leaders Summit Highlights

The New Leaders Summit brought together students and young professionals for workshops and presentations designed to foster the next generation of mining leaders. A key takeaway from the summit was the emphasis on innovation in mining and the growing importance of integrating digital technologies with traditional methods. One standout presentation was by recent UNSW graduate and past student chapter President Val Salamakha, who won Best Presentation for his thesis “Machine Learning Assisted Lithology Classification of Drillhole Data”, combining mining engineering and computer science. His work was a brilliant example of how data science can reshape operational efficiency in the field.

The support from WIMNet (Women in Mining Network) was invaluable for female students. The women representing the student chapter were proudly sponsored and wore bright pink shirts, reflecting the network’s commitment to gender diversity in mining. Wearing these shirts during the summit reinforced the significance of female representation and sparked many meaningful conversations on inclusivity in the industry.

The National Mining Games

Following the summit were the National Mining Games, hosted by the University of Queensland at Pinjarra Hills. The games serve as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1972 Sunshine Mine Disaster in Idaho, USA, while also celebrating the history of mining through traditional techniques. The competition spans two full days and includes events such as:

• Track and Set
• Muck and Cart
• Swede Saw
• Airleg Drilling
• Blast Board
• Survey
• Gold Panning

The games are more than a test of skill—they're a nod to the miners of the past, and an essential way of keeping these traditional mining methods alive.

The AusIMM Sydney Student Chapter proudly entered three teams: a women’s team, a mixed team, and a men’s team. Each team performed incredibly well, demonstrating their commitment to collaboration and technical excellence

Achievements and Awards

“We are thrilled to report that our teams took home two gold medals. The men’s team excelled in the Airleg Drilling event, securing first place, and went on to finish 5th overall in the competition,” said Lucy de Souza, second-year UNSW Mining Engineering student.

“Meanwhile, the women’s team shone in the Blast Board event, not only winning first place but outperforming both the men’s and mixed divisions. These victories highlight the dedication, hard work, and teamwork that our students have put into preparing for this event.”

The Awards Dinner at the end of the games was a celebration of these achievements, bringing together all competitors for an evening of recognition and networking.

“It was inspiring to see students from across the country come together in the spirit of camaraderie, and the event was a fitting close to a truly memorable experience,” said Keisha Sealy, second-year UNSW Mining Engineering student.

Key Takeaways

“This trip wasn’t just about competition; it was about growth—both personal and professional. We gained valuable insights from industry leaders, broadened our professional networks, and strengthened friendships within our teams. The experience reaffirmed the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and staying grounded in mining’s core traditions, even as the industry moves toward a more digital future,” said Lucy.

“As we return to university, we are eager to build on these experiences and continue our journey in the mining industry. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported us, especially AusIMM for organising such a fantastic event, as well as UNSW, the AusIMM Sydney Branch, and WIMNet NSW for their ongoing sponsorship and support of our students. We look forward to taking part in future competitions and bringing home more medals. Here’s to the next chapter in mining!” said Keisha.