Mine safety program progresses for Latin America

The initiative highlights Australia's growing role in fostering cross-border educational programs that support global efforts in responsible resource development, particularly in regions poised for mining growth and transformation.

The University of Queensland (UQ) is making strides in its transnational education efforts, securing strong partnerships in Argentina and Chile as part of a strategic initiative to address mining skills challenges in Latin America.

Backed by a recent AU$1 million grant from the Australian Government’s Department of Education, UQ is designing and delivering a suite of short courses tailored for workers in mining projects across both countries. The program aims to enhance workforce capabilities in areas critical to the sustainable future of the mining industry.

Speaking to Mining.com.au, Professor Maureen Hassall of UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute emphasized that the course designs are leveraging both Australian expertise and localized knowledge.

“The key objective of the program is to facilitate the development of international collaborations through inclusive institution-to-institution and people-to-people linkages,” Hassall explained. “We’re piloting vocational education and training courses that directly address key mining skills challenges.”

In Chile, UQ is collaborating with the National Mining Society of Chile and the National Institute for Professional Training (INACAP) to co-develop and deliver the training programs. In Argentina, the initiative is being rolled out in partnership with the Universidad Católica de Salta and global mining major Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO).

The short course pilot program will cover three core areas: mine safety, environment and sustainability, and autonomous mining operations.

“Mine safety will focus on risk-based safety management, including working at height and in confined spaces,” said Hassall. “Environmental and sustainability modules will teach stakeholder engagement for developing and evaluating workplace sustainability initiatives. Autonomous mining operations will guide participants through the selection, risk assessment, and implementation of autonomous technologies, including real-world case studies.”

The emphasis on safety comes amid ongoing concerns in the industry. According to Safe Work Australia, 59 worker fatalities have been recorded so far in 2025, including two in the mining sector. In 2024, a total of 168 workers lost their lives on the job, with the five-year average standing at 191 fatalities.

UQ, through its Sustainable Minerals Institute and the International Centre of Excellence (SMI-ICE-Chile), has been at the forefront of research and educational programs aimed at advancing sustainable mining practices globally.

“This project is an important part of continuing to build collaborations and deliver education programs to ensure that the global mining industry has the skills needed to address its sustainability challenges,” added Hassall.