The Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) team behind the world’s first Mass Open Online Course (MOOC) on mine closure and post-mining transitions has been recognised with an award at the 2024 CRC TiME Annual Awards, an initiative by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME).
The A New Way Forward award was presented to the SMI Transformational Learning team and their Curtin University partners for developing the ‘Foundations of Mine Closure and Sustainable Transitions’ course, which provides accessible, comprehensive, and affordable mine closure education to a diverse, international audience. The beta version was available for free, with potential certification on the way in future rounds.
More than 400 professionals from 33 countries enrolled in the pilot course, with interest from North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as Australia.
Transformational Learning Principal Learning Advisor Rosemarie Tapia Riveria said the course is designed to provide education to a wide range of mining stakeholders.
“Mine closure is a complex, evolving challenge that impacts diverse groups in different ways, and we recognised the need to bring these stakeholders together on the same page,” Rosemarie said.
“Our primary goal was to make this information accessible to everyone involved—whether they’re from local communities, regulatory bodies, or the industry itself.
“This is a foundational course, and from here, we hope to dig deeper into some critical areas that serve as the threads connecting these broad and diverse stakeholders' views.
“Looking ahead, the future of this course will involve continuous review and updates to keep pace with the evolving nature of mine closure and sustainable transitions.
“The challenges in this field are dynamic, and our course needs to reflect that by incorporating new insights, technologies, and stakeholder feedback.
“We’ll strive to keep the course relevant and adaptable, making it a living resource that grows and changes as the field evolves.
The UQx team also contributed to the development of the MOOC, providing critical assistance with the technical and platform aspects of the project.
The award panel was comprised of Bruce Kelley (CRC TiME Board Director), Jordy Bowman (CRC TiME Impact Committee member) and Tom Measham (CRC TiME Research Director).
CRC TiME External Relations and Impact Director Jillian D’Urso said the MOOC received the award because of its originality and impact.
“The MOOC deftly responded to a gap in the global education market. As the first course of its kind in the mine closure and transition space, its accessibility, usefulness and excellent ratings from students has cemented its worth.”
“The panel acknowledged the course as a clear example of innovation and a move towards changing mindsets towards post-mine opportunities. It has not only significantly upskilled a cohort of professionals, but dozens more around the world have expressed interest to enrol in the next round.”
“This is the impact and thought leadership Australia has in working to improve post-mine transition outcomes.”
