Media Release

On Tuesday 25 July, students Yasmin Potts and Cameron Smith were each awarded a 2017 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 was opened by Northparkes Mines Manager People, Safety and Environment Stacey Kelly. SMMO Managing Director Mr Morimoto said “These scholarships are a part of our ongoing commitment to the local community. We are thrilled this year’s scholarships have been presented to such outstanding students,” he said.

Northparkes Managing Director Jim Fowler said “We are proud to be able to provide local students with the opportunity via SMMO to pursue a career in mining.”

Yasmin is in Year 12 at Parkes High School. Earlier this year, Yasmin attended the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra, where she was chosen to attend the London International Youth Science forum. “I want to use my studies to help design future technologies in larges businesses and developments,” she said.

Cameron is in Year 11 at Red Bend Catholic College. He is a member of the School Representative Council and is involved with various organisations as a volunteer. “This is a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to completing work placement at Northparkes,” he said.

Cameron will receive $500 for successful completion of Year 11 and $1,000 for successful completion of Year 12. Yasmin will receive $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 above and beyond sponsorship and community grants already provided by Northparkes Mines.

In addition to financial support provided by SMMO, Northparkes offers work experience and career mentoring to SMMO scholarship holders both onsite and throughout Australia.

Media enquiries:
Ali Creith
Northparkes Mines Advisor Community and External Relations
02 6861 3621
ali.creith@northparkes.com