Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Update

The AUSIMM is the principal institute representing professionals within the mining sector in Australia and New Zealand, with about 250 members in NZ. Cam Wylie was privileged to be elected Chairman of the New Zealand Branch of AUSIMM at the AGM in late August 2009.

The NZ Branch is historical, providing strong support to students, with excellent conferences and presence in the sector. With this background Cam considers it an honour to be elected to this position and looks forward to upholding the traditions of the group.

Mining is a cornerstone of the NZ economy producing over $2billion in export earnings, or 2 x the value of the wine industry combined. The historical importance of mining is represented in the crossed hammers in the fourth quarter of the shield in the New Zealand coat of arms (http://www.mch.govt.nz/coat-of-arms.htm).

New Zealanders can be found on almost any mine site in Australia, Asia, the Pacific and throughout the world. We produce excellent, qualified and skilled graduates sought for our technical abilities and “can do” attitude. One of RDCL’s goals is to export mine services from New Zealand.

AUSIMM is at the forefront of the awakening debate concerning the drive for productivity; the raising of national living standards; and the use of the vast asset base that is New Zealand’s mineral wealth.