2007 Student-Industry-CRC Symposium

It was an early start for the students from Perth, waking at four to make a six o’clock flight. Those from Brisbane had a more civilised start and even then one student happened to miss the plane (not naming any names). The Perth contingent set up camp at the food court in Melbourne airport and met up with the other students as they arrived in dribs and drabs. After some confusion over meeting points all of the students managed to safely board the bus and embark on the 2007 CSRP student symposium. Some students used the bus ride as an opportunity to catch up on lost sleep but before long the bus was pulling up to our home for the next three nights, the Queenscliff Inn. As we all bustled off the bus there was a race for the best room in the inn. For many of the students this was their first opportunity to meet fellow CSRP students and the infamous Dan Churach (otherwise known as that guy who gave me a scholarship). There was a little bit of time to settle in and collect a bag filled with CSRP goodies before heading down the road to the Victoria Hotel for dinner. The dinner was a tasty and hearty pub meal and gave everyone the chance to socialise over a few ales. After the bar tab dried up everyone headed to bed for an early rise the next morning.

Over breakfast there were tales of a few snorers among the group with some people even moving their beds to escape the noise! Saturday saw the official start of the 2007 CSRP student symposium with each of the students introducing themselves to the group. There were some surprising finds (such as a clarinettist amongst the group) and after a few chuckles it was down to business. The CEO of CSRP Stevan Green kicked off the proceedings with a thought provoking discussion on sustainability. After lunch Ross, Claire and Bilal were the first students to give their presentations. They spoke about the properties of the starting materials for geopolymer, multiscale modelling of geopolymer and cracking in the walls of embankment dams. Following a short break for afternoon tea Ian, Sophie and Andrew gave talks on protective corrosion films and enhancing the recovery of different metallurgy processes. Alberto, Stewart and Jacqueline finished off the day with presentations on the role of emotional intelligence, improving safety in mining and sustainability in the metal industry. Everyone had the chance to relax over a few drinks at the Vue Grand before heading over the The Apostle for dinner. The Apostle was an interesting dining experience, being set in an old church, the food was heavenly. Half of the student population continued on to the Esplanade Hotel for a few more drinks. Some can’t remember this part of the night too well except to say that there was a sandpit in the beer garden.

There were a few students feeling a bit sorry for themselves on Sunday morning, but most were revived after a delicious cooked breakfast courtesy of the Queenscliff Inn. Pushan, Liz and Grant started the days proceedings at the Vue Grand with presentations on coal combustion systems, gasification rates of coal and recovery of carbonaceous material. Michael C, Robbie and Michael N came next with talks on drilling patterns, sustainable water use at mine sites and using plant biochemistry in mineral exploration. Following a beautiful lunch in the Vue Grand’s dining room Megan, Ailar and Kaveh gave talks on different aspects of geopolymer concrete. In session seven Casey, James and Graeme presented on, behaviour of carbonaceous material in the recovery of gold and enhancing cobalt recovery from a Caron leach of laterite ore. Graeme stole the day with his ‘dad’ jokes and impressive (?) singing ability. Daniel and Steve wrapped up the student presentations with talks on the future of transport fuels and bauxite residue sustainability. With a bit of time to spare before dinner some braved the wind and seaweed to go for a dip in the bay. We then enjoyed a luscious dinner at the Vue Grand before heading back to the conference room for the legendary quiz night. The aptly named John’s team took out the night each taking home a bottle of wine. The unfortunate Hoff’s Angels, consisting of the undergraduates (plus the Hoff) lost dismally but walked away with a brand spanking new wooden spoon.

With all of the student talks finished Monday consisted of two workshops and a tour. The first workshop by Dr Glen Corder was on ‘Regional Synergies – turning waste streams into profits’ and reinforced the sustainability message Steven had mentioned on the first day. Next was Dr Janine Lay and her practical workshop on ‘Getting your message across’ which provided vital tips on presenting and interview skills. After lunch it was time for us to depart Queenscliff to tour the Blue Circle Southern cement plant. There were a lot of interesting and controversial questions from both Alberto and the geopolymer students. That night we were treated to a stay at the Mercure hotel in Geelong. Being the last night of the symposium it was also the much anticipated awards night. In the undergraduate category Sophie was awarded first place with Megan coming in second. From the postgraduate category Michael C and Liz shared third place, Jacqueline and Stewart shared second place and the dark horse Steve took out first place. There were also some novelty awards presented, the first going to Graeme for the best (and most will agree) the worst singing of the conference. Graeme even had an acceptance speech prepared that he proceeded to sing. Pushan was awarded the most sustainable travel to the conference after catching a bus to Queenscliff from Avalon airport, he received $94.50 for the taxi fare he saved CSRP. A horrified Liz on the other hand received the award for the most unsustainable travel to the conference after catching an expensive taxi from Avalon to Queenscliff consequently receiving $3.20 in the saved bus fare.

Everyone was up bright and early on Tuesday morning for a tour of the Anglesea open cut coal mine and power station. The tour allowed us to see the process of the coal being mined right up until it is used in the power station. We were then off to the second tour of the day at the Alcoa Port Henry aluminium smelter. After a very instructional video we had to don some safety gear and leave anything electrical behind. Daniel looked three kilos lighter after unloading himself of his phone, camera, ipod, watch, handheld PDA, you name it. The tour was very interesting and a great opportunity to see industry in action for those who haven’t had the chance before. Alcoa were kind enough to provide a buffet lunch and answer all of our thorough questions. After lunch the student symposium came to an official close with the students thanking Dan for organising the symposium. Most of the students continued on to the CSRP conference in Clayton, but that is another story.