WA mining to play global role in online learning

• Future jobs focus

• International edX partnership first for State

The expertise of Western Australia's resources industry will be promoted worldwide through a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled The Business of Mining.

Launching the new course today, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said it was developed by the Western Australian School of Mines and Curtin Business School, in collaboration with industry and the State Government.

"The State Government strongly supports this kind of innovation because, just like our minerals and petroleum, it provides valuable exports," Mr Marmion said.

"Promoting WA's mining excellence around the world will also help to build a skilled and sustainable future workforce."

Curtin is the first WA university to join the edX consortium, a growing platform for universities and education providers to offer free online courses.

The new online course is designed to provide a high-level introduction to the resources sector for non-operational staff, government employees, suppliers, and contractors supporting the industry.

"The Business of Mining and Curtin's partnership with edX will further elevate WA as an investment destination and a logical base for leaders in the field," the Minister said.

"I congratulate the university on the creation of this course and the vital role Curtin has played, and will continue to play, in developing the future leaders of the State's resources sector."

Mr Marmion was involved in production of The Business of Mining and features in several of the video modules, along with senior executives from the Department of Mines and Petroleum.

       Fact File

• edX is a non-profit initiative founded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University in May 2012

• As of October 2014, edX had more than three million users taking more than 300 courses

• A preview of The Business of Mining MOOC

Minister's office - 6552 6800