It takes companies additional time and resources to train those without basic mining qualifications to operate mines and mining facilities, so it is in their benefit to try and salvage mining education at the basic university level.

The latest mining school facing possible seemingly inevitable closure is the globally-respected and established Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie unless far reaching changes are made, some of the school's most prominent graduates have warned.

The WASM's Graduate Association, which includes many of Australia's most successful mining executives among its members, said a taskforce comprising representatives of the mining industry, Curtin University (which runs the school) and the WA Government was needed urgently to identify the problems and find solutions.

Eoin Treacy's view Here is a link to a site with a list of all of the institutions offering education in mining around the world and here are some of the relevant numbers, India (24). China (11), Japan (6), Russia (7), Australia (7), France (7) the UK (5), Canada (10), the USA (19), Argentina (5), Brazil (5), Chile (6), Peru (12).

In such numbers one has to allow for relative population sizes but nevertheless, Australia can hardly afford to lose an institution dedicated to producing graduates for one of its largest exporter industries. Australia is blessed with world class resources and there has been significant discussion about how best to retain control of those assets in Australian hands. However, if the country is not providing the enough skilled professionals in this area, it can be deemed to be a strategic mishap for the Australian government.

China and India, two of the most aggressive acquirers of natural resources, internationally, are backing up this policy by educating large numbers of graduated in the necessary skills to both manage such companies and to assess what is the best price to pay and charge for such assets. It seems likely that these countries are getting ready to compete not only on acquiring companies but in the management of them. Mittal is but one example of where this has already occurred. Resource rich countries need to take note of these developments if they are serious about retaining control of there resources.