The founder of The University of Queensland’s WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre (BRC) has been recognised by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) for his contribution to the State’s mineral and energy development.
Mr Robert ‘Bob’ Bryan AM – also known as the father of coal seam gas – was presented with the QRC Medal last Thursday, when he was recognised for his long and outstanding contribution to the resources industry. In accepting the medal Mr Bryan said: “This is a tremendous honour and privilege that the QRC has bestowed on me. “Any success that I have had is a result of focus, determination and a bit of luck to go with it.
I have had a 40 year journey in this industry – it has been exciting and tremendously satisfying and I am so grateful for that.” Mr Bryan provided the initial funding to establish the WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre (BRC) in 1991 in honour of his late father, who was Professor of Geology at The University of Queensland. BRC is based within the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI)
and brings together mining engineering and geological expertise to address the complex challenges facing the global mining sector. “Mining and education are close to Bob's heart. He believes that innovation is essential for the industry to prosper and that creative thinking and research are crucial components,” BRC Director Professor Margie Scott said.“For him, advancing research at BRC is about the imminent challenge of resource replenishment – getting more from existing operations and being able to progress the new frontier of deeper large scale mining. I congratulate Bob on this achievement.”Mr Bryan sits on the BRC Advisory Board and has previously served on the SMI Advisory Board and The University of Queensland Senate.
Mr Bryan was the founding Chairman of the Queensland Gas Company, which led the way in the establishment of the coal seam gas/liquefied natural gas business in Australia. Prior to that, he was instrumental in merging the Queensland Coal Association and Queensland Chamber of Mines that eventually morphed into the Queensland Resources Council. In 2009 he was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame and, earlier this year, was awarded an AM for services to the mining industry and for philanthropy. Also in 2009, Mr Bryan established the Bryan Foundation to support education and health programs in our disadvantaged communities.
