2025 Brisbane Local Mining Games
– VI Group Team Experiences Mine Site Operations and Professional Skills Competition
On 17 May 2025, the 2025 Local Mining Games, organised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy South Queensland Student Chapter (AusIMM SQSC), were successfully held at Pinjarra Hills in Brisbane. The event brought together students, alumni, and industry professionals from fields such as mining, geology, and environmental studies. Participants explored innovative approaches to talent development in mining and the preservation of industry culture through traditional competition projects that simulate real-world mining scenarios.
A True Replication of Mining Skills and Spirit
This year’s Mining Games comprised several classic events, including Muck and Cart, Gold Panning, Air-Leg Drilling, Rail Setting, and Blast Board. These events were designed to assess participants’ physical fitness, teamwork skills, and on-site adaptability. The competition site was a hive of activity, showcasing fierce competition among teams while also reflecting the distinctive spirit of unity and mutual assistance that is synonymous with the mining industry. The projects in which students participated are integral to the mining operations. These events are not merely competitive, but also embody the spirit of mining. These practical activities are designed to develop students’ hands-on skills and to provide them with a realistic understanding of the nature of mining work. It is hoped that such initiatives will continue to develop, injecting fresh blood into the mining industry.
As a leading local mining consulting and project investment management company, the VI Group team actively participated in and supported the event, attending the competition on-site and contributing to the barbecue lunch networking session.
Teams are required to work together to construct and dismantle a section of track within the shortest possible timeframe. The team that combines speed and precision in assembly will undoubtedly prevail.
Teams utilise pneumatic air-leg drills to perform drilling operations on a rock wall model, with judging based on operational skills, drilling angle, and completion speed.
A team of five individuals works collaboratively to load ore (simulation), control the mine cart angle and clear the track within the specified timeframe.
The objective is to fill the mine cart as quickly as possible and then return it to the starting point to complete the competition.
Participants simulate the loading sequence and explosive quantities for each blast hole in a real blasting scenario by applying explosive stickers on a paper mine map.
Supporting Localised Mining Talent Development
During the subsequent barbecue lunch, the VI Group team participated actively, exchanging experiences with students and professionals present and discussing the future of the industry. This event provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect with the industry, helping them better understand their future career paths.
During the event, students actively sought advice from industry veterans on career development opportunities, gaining insights into mining workflows, equipment operation, and industry trends. The VI Group team also took this opportunity to discuss with education and business representatives how to advance the early practical training of local mining talent through competitions, internships, and on-site training, injecting new vitality into the industry.
VI Group looks forward to further collaboration with AusIMM and other mining companies or organisations in the future, supporting similar industry activities, promoting knowledge transfer and technology implementation, and providing talent support for the digitalisation and green transformation of the mining sector.