Our world-leading environment and sustainability research underpins a wide range of postgraduate programmes. In our Meet our Students series we look at the journeys taken by those studying MSc courses within the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability, explore why they have chosen to study with us and learn about their experiences at the University of Exeter, Cornwall. Today we hear from Olivia, an MSc Mining Environmental Management student.
I am one of three people on the Mining Environmental Management MSc who studied Politics and International Relations as an undergrad here in Penryn.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as an undergraduate and then in my third year we did a module with Deborah McFarlane called ‘The Resource Paradox. Blessing or Curse?’
Essentially it was about the politics of mining and how having an abundance of natural resources can cause conflict nationally and internationally.
I really enjoyed it, did really well, and became an intern for Deborah on her ‘People and Mining’ group which focused on the social aspect of the mining industry – which is what I’m interested in.
If I am to pursue a career in mining, I need to learn more about the industry. On the Mining Environmental Management MSc, I am learning to get all the terms right and understand topics like remediation, mapping software, and environmental, social and, governance (ESG).
The first term was very difficult, but I’m really happy that I did it. The work is very different, as I have moved from social sciences to subjects like chemistry. The challenge is the different style of work and using software which I haven’t needed to do before. We have much more contact time with more seminars and lectures than I’m used to – it means it’s easy to get answers to questions. The lecturers give us a lot of support and there are lot of extra things you can do like socials and annual diners.
Being part of Camborne School of Mines (CSM) is great fun. CSM is its own community within the University, everyone’s very down to earth and I really feel at home here. I’ve been trying to get involved in as much as possible to balance out the hard work.
I’ve taken part in training for the International Mining Games, part of The Camborne School of Mines Society, which is a competition involving events based on traditional mining techniques like Mucking – shovelling broken rock into a cart and running it down a track.
I’m also going to Belgium as part of International Student Week and try to get to as many Pint and Pasty nights as I can too. CSM invite companies in the mining industry to give a talk and then there is the chance to network afterwards. Opportunities for networking are really encouraged and exposure to industry experts has been amazing. We also got to go to the Mines and Money Conference in London for free too.
One of the reasons I chose the Mining Environmental Management MSc is because half of the course is a research project, which I can tailor to my interests.
My research project involves an internship at the International Finance Corporation which is a branch of the World Bank. I have a meeting with them every couple of weeks and am flying out to Washington in April to do some interviews.
I am going to do a cost benefit analysis for them on mine waste tailings that will encourage companies to invest in dewatering technologies to make mine waste solid in order to reduce the risk of spills from liquid slurry stores. The report will be shared with Chief Financial Officers in the mining industry and argue the environmental and social reasons for investing in this technology.
We’re not going to feed the energy transition or meet net zero if we don’t have mining. That aspect is something I’m really interested in. I want to contribute to building wind turbines and electric cars and sustainable mining of the materials, like copper, that are needed for them.
I’d like to work for an international body to do environment and social advisory work at different mine sites. This course makes me feel confident that I will find a job I will enjoy.
The Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability brings together experts from across the spectrum of earth and life sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences and business. Our programmes are all designed with a focus on developing solutions to global challenges and creating a better future for our planet and its people. Help lead a global Greener, Healthier and Fairer revolution by studying one of our world-leading, interdisciplinary Masters degrees here at the University of Exeter, Cornwall. See our Masters programmes here.