The first postgraduate research centre in Australia focusing on mining geology has celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The Sustainable Minerals Institute’s (SMI) WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre, or BRC as it's widely known, was established in 1991 with seed funding from Mr Bob Bryan AM, who named the centre in honour of his late father WH.
After the first world war he undertook postgraduate study at Cambridge, before returning to Australia and taking up a position with his alma mater, as a Lecturer in Geology and Mineralogy in 1921 where he worked for almost four decades.
In his speech SMI's Acting Director Professor Rick Valenta reflected on how the Centre has always remained attuned to the needs of the mining industry.
“Over its 30 years, the Centre has existed in many guises. Each Director and research team has brought its own focus to the activities of BRC. What has unified these phases, though, has been the strong focus on producing innovation that is relevant to the industry," he said.
“It has been a pleasure to be part of the team and to watch our researchers and students break new ground (no pun intended) in finding solutions that aid the transition to a low carbon future.”
In commemoration a booklet on the Centre’s history comprising reflections from former directors of the BRC and some key staff was published.
Download the booklet (PDF, 4.6 MB)
Media: SMI Communications, communications@smi.uq.edu.au, +61 (0) 439 016 178.
