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Stories >> Michael Yelf
Michael's begins work at the largest mine in NSW
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I graduated with first class
honours, and the Mitsubishi Prize, in 2004, and
have started work as a Graduate Mining Engineer
at Ridgeway Gold Mine. Ridgeway is a part of Cadia
Valley Operations, which is owned by Newcrest Mining
Limited.
During my degree I completed
work experience in Western Australia at Leinster
Nickel Operation
(WMC), and at Cadia Hill Gold Mine, an open
cut gold mine and also part of Cadia Valley Operations.
I really enjoyed my time whilst at university,
and made a point of doing as many extra curricular
activities as possible, including holding
position
as a board director of the student union, as
well as many college and church activities.
It is a very exciting time at Ridgeway, and at
Cadia Valley Operations (CVO) in general, with
a lot of future potential. A mine extension has
recently been approved for Ridgeway, which is a
sub-level caving operation. The mine has recently
changed from contractor to owner mining, and the
change included a brand new fleet of underground
equipment, which looked very new and shiny before
going underground. At CVO there is also the distinct
possibility of a very large underground mine being
developed next to the current open pit, which has
the potential to greatly extend the mine life.
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I am very much enjoying work, and have
been assigned a project to manage which involves automation
of one or more CAT 2900 loaders, which for me is very exciting,
and quite unexpected, especially so close to when I started
work. If the project is successful, the loaders will be
able to operate remotely with minimal human involvement.
Once this project is finished, I will be going underground
on one of the crews for around 12 months to get a better
idea of the practical aspects of underground mining.
I have been very well looked after by
Newcrest, and the people I work with at Ridgeway are brilliant
and very friendly, with a great workplace culture throughout
the whole operation. I have been impressed by the high
standards and values, and genuine concern for safety within
the company.
Later in 2005 I will be travelling to
Sweden, to visit Atlas Copco’s head office and research
and development facilities as part of the Atlas Copco Scholarship.
I will then be visiting several mines in Sweden to see
their state of the art equipment in action.
I live in Orange, which is a beautiful
20 minute drive from the mine site. I was attracted to
Orange because I knew people from vacation work in the
town, had enjoyed my experience there previously, and for
its proximity to Sydney. In my time off I am looking forward
to spending time outdoors, including doing some mountain
biking and fishing, which I know are both very good in
the area.
If you have any questions (especially
from students), please do not hesitate to contact me.
The mining department will be able to forward your requests
to me. |
