Meet Frances, a final-year mining engineering student at Curtin Kalgoorlie/WA School of Mines (WASM). Frances has always felt a deep-rooted fascination for rocks, early childhood spent growing up on a farm, she found herself captivated by rocks from a young age. Moving to Perth the granite formations of the Hills sparked a curiosity that (little did she know) would lead her to mining engineering. Despite an initial interest in chemical engineering – metallurgy, Frances’ path led her back to her geological interests, and she’s now on the verge of graduation, with aspirations to delve even deeper into a combination of engineering and geoscience.
Frances’ journey didn’t plan on ending up in mining engineering, although her interest in geology was always a throughline throughout her studies. Moving to Australia in 2007, she first set her sights on chemical engineering but soon realised it wasn’t a perfect fit. Taking a gap year, she found herself drawn back to her childhood interest in rocks and geological formations, and she decided to pursue mining engineering to keep the problem solving side of things. Her background growing up on a farm also added a unique perspective, shaping her ability to tackle challenges with resilience. Inspired by her natural surroundings and a desire to understand the earth’s resources, she saw mining engineering as a perfect blend of interests and skills.
“I’ve always loved geology and the way engineering ties into it. Going into mining felt like a way to bring that passion to life in a hands-on way.”
Frances has experienced a truly enriching journey in Kalgoorlie, particularly enjoying the practical, hands-on aspects of the program. Her studies have gone beyond the classroom, with her work focusing on short-term mine planning, ventilation engineering, and being part of field operations such as development and blast crews, offering a realistic view of the industry. These roles have are fly-in-fly-out opportunities, which Frances appreciates for the work-life balance they provide. The FIFO work has helped her develop her concentration skills, allowing her to fully dive into the job without the usual home distractions. The balance and structure of fly-in-fly-out work appeals to her, providing both the professional focus she enjoys and the freedom to return to daily life with a fresh perspective.
She values Kalgoorlie’s close-knit mining community, especially the connections with peers and support by academics within the program, which have been essential as she navigates a field that’s often male-dominated. Recently serving as the WASM Guild President, Frances stepped up to improve structure and bring positive changes to student life on campus, showcasing her dedication to her peers and her commitment to fostering a vibrant community. Her desire to create a stronger, and more structured Guild in Kalgoorlie was pushed by her wanting to make a difference for her peers. Seeing those changes happen has proven to be an incredibly rewarding experience, and one she takes great pride in.
Throughout her studies, Frances has actively sought practical experiences to reinforce her theoretical knowledge. Her time in various mining roles prepared her for the realities of the field and taught her how to adapt to unique fast-paced work environment. For students interested in mining or other challenging fields, she advises embracing every opportunity and staying open to the unexpected turns of their journey, even if you feel like you’re thrown in the deep end. Upon reflection, Frances wishes she had trusted her instincts sooner, encouraging first-year students to explore their passions and connect with people who inspire them along the way.
Frances has her sights set on furthering her expertise in geoscience, starting Bachelor of Applied Geology studies next year to expand her knowledge of the field. Her experiences in mining have solidified her desire to build a career that allows her to blend engineering and geological interests with hands-on work. She envisions a future where she can contribute meaningfully to the mining industry, with a particular focus on innovative and safe practices.
Frances’ experience at the outback landscapes of Kalgoorlie has been marked by a deep appreciation for the natural world and a drive to understand it from the ground up. Through her studies, leadership roles, and hands-on experiences in mining engineering, she has crafted a unique path that reflects her passions and dedication. Frances encourages future students to seek their own path in the industry, valuing perseverance, community, and the endless possibilities the field holds. She reminds other students that you never know where the journey will take you, and that sometimes it’s the unexpected choices that end up being the most meaningful. With graduation around the corner, she’s poised to make her mark in engineering and geoscience, and looks forward to a future where she can continue to explore, learn, and grow within the mining community.
