BHP Billiton’s reputation for excellence will cement Curtin’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct as a world-class research and learning centre.
The world’s largest diversified resources company has committed $5 million to the project, which will play a central role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The 12-year alliance between BHP Billiton and Curtin will closely align research objectives and outcomes with the needs of industry and society.
The precinct will ensure Western Australia’s on-going sustainability and global position in the resources sector and prevent future industry skills shortages.
The precinct’s wholist approach will draw compatible expertise in humanities and business to improve communication and resource economics and to complement the areas of hydrometallurgy, water quality and treatment, energy, forensic science, environmental and food chemistry, corrosion and biotechnology.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore president Ian Ashby told the Australian Mining website that the alliance would play an important role in sustaining Western Australia’s resources industry.
‘In this context BHP Billiton and Curtin are working together to produce the next generation of industry professionals; people who will drive our global success in the future,’ he said.
‘And we are keen to see that some of these professionals come from the regional areas in which we operate.’
BHP Billiton’s support for the project, due to be operational by early 2009, reinforces their Charter valuing courage in leading change and cultivating ‘win-win relationships’.
BHP Billiton has also recently announced that six Pilbara students have been awarded scholarships to assist them with their studies at Curtin University of Technology’s Centre for Regional Education (CRE) in Port Hedland.
