After completing a Bachelor of Mining Engineering at the University of NSW in 2003, I started work with BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) on their Graduate Program.

My first role was as the Prestrip Engineer at Goonyella Riverside mine. My responsibilities included planning dig designs and scheduling shovel movements for up to three shovels, designing truck dumps and communicating these plans to the operators. I also managed interaction issues arising from Drill & Blast, Draglines, and Coal Mining. After eight months, I moved into the Drill & Blast Engineer’s role where I learnt how to design drill patterns in Vulcan as well as schedule the four drills and two blast crews. My role also included implementing a new drill & blast database management system (DBS), which will eventually automate all reporting in the field.

The BMA Graduate Program offers experience at two different mine sites. I find this adds value to my career development as it teaches me how to adapt to different situations, communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, and see the pluses and deltas at each mine site. My second year placement is at Peak Downs mine where I am the Coal Quality Engineer. This role is quite different to Prestrip and Drill & Blast Engineering as it focuses on constantly achieving the right blend of coal to meet customer requirements through scheduling. When I feel competent in the Coal Quality Engineering position I will transfer to Dragline Engineering to complete my Graduate Placement.

As a Graduate with BMA, life is not always about work. I’m currently living in Moranbah with 15 other graduates in town. We have organised a mixed touch team playing on Monday nights, dinner at the local on Wednesday nights, fishing trips away on the weekends to Sarina and Seaforth, long weekends at Airlie Beach and many a BBQ at someone’s house. Life in Moranbah really is not limited; the Coles supermarket is probably bigger than the one in Randwick, you can play just about any and every sport, and there is a large gym with discount membership prices for BMA staff. If you’re interested in travelling, Mackay is just two hours away and better yet, three hours to the Whitsunday Islands. I’ll definitely be here for a few years to come.