Louise is NZ Bound

I studied at UNSW for six years and finished with a double degree, a BE in Mining Engineering and a BSc Science (Psychology). I found that the two degrees complemented each other and was a very interesting combination to study. The psychology component of my studies will come in handy later on in my career in a supervisory position and help with motivation of others and conflict resolution. I was recruited as a graduate mining engineer by Solid Energy, a major coal mining company in New Zealand, in a three year graduate training program and have been with the company for just over six months. The program involves working at all Solid Energy’s sites in New Zealand. Currently I am working at their Spring Creek Mine which is an underground coal mine on the West Coast of the South Island. For the first three months I worked underground assisting with roof bolting and driving shuttle cars. I have designed and instigated an upgrade of the underground and surface fire fighting system. I have also compiled several management plans and various procedures for the mine and to monitor coal pillar movement. I also try to get as much underground experience as possible. Soon I will be assisting with inducting mine workers and working as a coal analyst.

The mine is currently in the development stage preparing for full production which is scheduled for early 2004. The geology here presents more challenges to mining than in Australia with steep grades and seams up to thirty metres thick in places. Extraction of the coal will be based around a water monitor. This is a method of extraction called hydraulic mining is where a jet of water is sprayed along the coal face. The water both dislodges the coal and transports it away form the coal face. This method is commonly used in the South Island as it is well suited to the steeply dipping coal seams. When in full production, the mine will produce 800,000 tonnes annually. This is small by Australian standards but the coal is low in ash (around 2%) and sulphur. The coal from Spring Creek will be sold mostly to the Japanese steel mills.

I live in Greymouth; about fifteen minutes drive from the mine. It is a town of about 10,000 with other local industries such as dairying, forestry and tourism.

I was attracted to this position because of the great training and the lifestyle the West Coast has to offer. There are a lot of outdoor activities to do in spare time such as white water kayaking, mountain biking, tramping and water skiing.

I am finding my work to be varied and interesting which is why I chose a career in mining and I look forward to a position with more responsibility.

Further info on life as a Mining Engineer