Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES)
Senior Mine Geologist
Christian ‘Cornish’ Collings
BSc (Hons) Earth Sciences
Since completion of my degree, I immigrated to Western Australia where I am currently living in Perth as a permanent resident working towards citizenship. I attained work, as a Graduate Open Pit Mine Geologist, working for a number of companies in a variety of commodities, including gold, manganese and iron ore throughout the Pilbara region of WA.
My current role is to focus on the operations of Process Minerals International’s Pilbara mines. I fly to Port Hedland and work for two weeks straight (12 hour days), travelling between sites and overseeing all geological aspects of the mines including grade control, pit planning, ore interpretation and design, ore extraction supervision, and mine scheduling. I also supervise and train a team of mine geologists working at the various sites. To broaden my skills and knowledge, I have often been presented with opportunities to experience new roles including training on the operations of heavy plant, as well as working as the mines’ surveying and extractive metallurgist.
Studying Economic Geology and Mineral Exploration gave me an insight into what the industry may present and were the ones that set me on the course to moving to Australia.
Exploration Geologist
Richard Spilsbury
BSc (Hons) Geology
I currently work for a consultancy company in Perth, the mining capital of Australia. I am contracted to various mining and exploration companies throughout Australia. My usual role is drill rig supervision whereby I work with drillers to complete and control holes and subsequent logging of core or rock-chips. I also do geological mapping, soil sampling, drill hole design, data validation and reviewing legacy reports.
My degree was essential as all geological jobs require an earth science degree in Australia because it is a professional occupation. Many young people in Australia are after work in the resource industry and so an earth science based degree will greatly improve your chances of finding work. My advice is to find the subject you're interested in and keep at it!
PhD student
Nicola Willmot Noller
BSc (Hons) Geology
Following graduation in summer 2011 I secured a fully funded four-year PhD at University College Dublin. I moved to Ireland in September since when I have begun research.
My PhD investigates the distribution of heat producing elements in crustal rocks in Ireland in order to pinpoint areas of investigation for likely low enthalpy geothermal resources. My role is to compile and resolve existing geochemical and heat flow data and undertake new geochemical sampling and analyses of Irish crustal rocks. In addition to laboratory work and several weeks in the field, I shall be attending various conferences and also work as a demonstrator in undergraduate classes.
