Metal mining careers

Mihran Sarkissian, Peter Lindsay and Eloise Clayton were each awarded a 2016 Sumitomo Metal Mining Oceania (SMMO) supported Scholarship.

The aim of the Scholarship Program, which is supported and administered by Northparkes Mines, is to promote and encourage careers in the mining industry. 

The ceremony, held on August 1, was opened by Northparkes Mines Manager People, Safety and Environment Angus Wyllie.

SMMO Managing Director Mr Hitoshi Ito said Sumitomo has been a partner of Northparkes since its very beginning in 1993.  “We have provided SMMO scholarships to students for the past three years to demonstrate our commitment to Northparkes and our wish to work with the local community for many years to come,” he said.

Eloise attended Trundle Central School and is now studying a Bachelor of Science – Chemistry at Western Sydney University. “I am excited about the possibility of a work placement at Northparkes,” she said. “I would like to return to the region when I have completed my studies.”

Mihran and Peter are both Year 11 Students at Red Bend Catholic College.

Mihran said his dream is to study electrical engineering “I hope to participate in the Honeywell Engineering Summer School this year via the University of NSW,” he said. “The support from SMMO will help me achieve this.”

Peter said he appreciates the ongoing support from SMMO, and the opportunity for work experience through Northparkes Mines. “My aim is to become a mechanical or electrical engineer,” he said. 

The two Year 11 students will receive $500 for successful completion of Year 11 and $1,000 for successful completion of Year 12. $2,000 is also granted to those scholarship students who enter and successfully complete their first year at university in a mining related course.

The SMMO Scholarship program is administered by Northparkes Mines, with which SMMO is a joint venture partner.  The scholarship is a voluntary investment by SMMO.