CQUniversity and QMAG to partner on future research and education opportunities
By Jocelyn Sticklen
CQUniversity and Queensland Magnesia (QMAG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on future research, education and training opportunities.
As part of the new agreement, the organisations will work together to enhance professional development and upskilling opportunities for existing QMAG employees; provide industry-based experiences to CQUniversity students; apply for research grants and funding; and identify new opportunities for positive economic development and sustainability outcomes.
QMAG is a leading global supplier of caustic calcined, deadburned and electrofused magnesia products for use in the refractory, chemical, agricultural, environmental and hydrometallurgical sectors. The company has mining operations at Kunwarara and Yaamba near Rockhampton and a processing plant at Parkhurst.
CQUniversity meanwhile is a leader in applied industry research and work-integrated learning, especially in the trades and engineering disciplines.
Brendon Pambid, Managing Director at QMAG, explained that the MoU would help QMAG to further harness innovation by working directly with university researchers to realise new efficiencies and share knowledge and resources.
“As an industry leader engaging directly with researchers on projects aimed at continuous improvement, particularly when it comes to operational processing efficiencies and sustainability, the MoU is something we see as critical to our future growth," Mr Pambid said.
“We also look forward to working with the University on professional development initiatives for our current employees and providing opportunities for CQUniversity students to participate in industry-relevant study and work-integrated learning experiences across our QMAG sites,” he said.
Dr Christoph Beyer, Managing Director at QMAG, also explained that the MoU aimed to capitalise on existing synergies between QMAG and CQUniversity, to ensure QMAG remained a global leader in magnesia products through research and development advantages with CQUniversity.
“As the leading global supplier of high-grade calcined magnesia, we recognise the importance of research and development and investing in our people and their skills, as well as sharing these skills and knowledge with the regional University.
"Remaining competitive on a global scale requires technological advancement and the ongoing research and development initiatives between QMAG and CQUniversity will ensure we maintain our position in the international market,” Dr Beyer said.
Dean of CQUniversity’s School of Engineering and Technology Professor Steve Hall said the agreement provides a clear framework for both the University and QMAG to work together on several shared goals to make a positive impact on Central Queensland.
“The agreement places a strong focus on boosting opportunities for collaborative training, education and research, so that we can further enhance the region’s current and future workforce capacity," Professor Hall said.
"Through this MoU we aim to work with the QMAG team to upskill current professionals while also developing emerging workforces within the resources sector.
"As well as building capacity, CQUniversity will work with QMAG to support economic development and innovative sustainability outcomes.”
CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the MoU with QMAG was another example of how the University works directly with industry to inform its operations across skills development, learning and teaching, and research.
“CQUniversity’s strong partnerships with industry help to ensure CQUniversity is delivering industry-ready graduates and industry-relevant research.”
The agreement between CQUniversity and QMAG will remain in place for the next three years and will provide opportunities across several disciplines including engineering, health and safety, and environmental science.
