BHP to drive innovation with Curtin partnership

The partnership aims to promote innovative thinking and solutions that will shape the future of the resources and energy sectors.

Community programs and research initiatives that include the aspects of mining modernisation, automation and sustainability will also be focussed on.

BHP acting asset president Western Australia iron ore Tim Day said the projects would aim to make a positive change.

“We each have global footprints and proud histories of driving innovation and this partnership gives us both the opportunity to learn from each other to genuinely make an impact,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity to advance technology together, as we look to the future of work.”

Five environmental DNA (eDNA) projects are among the first projects to be rolled out, which involve preserving wildlife species such as the endangered Pilbara Olive Python and conserving marine environments.

“BHP has been a generous supporter of Curtin and Curtin students for more than a decade through a range of successful scholarship and partnership programs. This new BHP-Curtin alliance builds on that established mutual respect and shared commitment to innovation through collaboration,” Curtin University vice-chancellor professor Deborah Terry said.

“This partnership will allow industry to interact with students, researchers and academics to produce job- ready graduates. In partnership, we are committed to leading the world with our research and study programs to achieve sustainable, positive change across industries and sectors.

“Our researchers are already working to find solutions to our real world challenges. Our experts in science, engineering and data science are at the forefront of new materials, new manufacturing methods and artificial intelligence. It’s this expertise, innovative thinking and vision for the future Curtin will bring to our alliance with BHP.”

Scholarships and alumni programs are also included in the BHP-Curtin partnership, which aim to provide students with education from remote areas and enabling programs that could lead to BHP employment.