Business of Mining MOOC top of its global class

• edX course completed by more than 1,100 students
• Innovative promotion of Western Australia's resources profile

The Business of Mining, a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) developed in Western Australia, has topped the 2015 Interactive Media Awards in the United States of America.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the success of the course reflected WA's innovation capacity and helped promote the State's mining and education excellence worldwide.

"Resources and education services are both important exports," Mr Marmion said.

"I congratulate Curtin University's WA School of Mines, the Curtin Business School and the industry and State Government experts who contributed to the course.

"So far, more than 1,100 students from almost 170 nations have completed the course, with top participation from the US, Australia and India."

The Business of Mining was named Best In Class in the university category of the Interactive Media Awards, rated on design, content, functionality and standards compliance.

Its four online modules provide a high-level introduction to the resources sector for non-operational staff, government employees, suppliers and contractors.

"This a product of Curtin's partnership with the acclaimed edX education platform and plays an important role in promoting WA as the best place in the world to do mining business," the Minister said.

"Student feedback has been excellent, with well over double the average completion rate for similar online courses."

Launched in July 2015, The Business of Mining MOOC will continue running through 2016.

Fact File

• edX is a non-profit initiative founded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University
• Leading enrolments for The Business of Mining are US (14%), Australia (13%) and India (8%)
• The course is available at: https://www.edx.org/course/business-mining-curtinx-tbomx  

Minister's office - 6552 6800