The University of Queensland launched an AU$6m geotechnical engineering centre on 3 September. The research and teaching hub, to be housed within the UQ’s School of Civil Engineering, is a collaboration between the university and several industry partners.
Ground engineering consultant Golder Associates, and mining companies Rio Tinto, Anglo Gold Ashanti and BHP Billiton have each pledged AU$150,000 for the centre per year over five years. UQ will match this funding, bringing the total to AU$6m over the period.
The money will support Chairs in geomechanics and rock mechanics as well as lecturing positions in rock mechanics and hydrogeology and postdoctoral positions. There will also be funding committed towards undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and equipment for testing, the university said.