Julian Adah (MSc Mining Engineering, 2023)
Graduate Mining Engineer, Barminco Western Australia
My interest in mining began through geology. I originally went into geology with a desire for financial independence and the entrepreneurial opportunities that came with working in the resource sector. I graduated at the top of my class in Nigeria, worked in mineral exploration, and eventually started my own consultancy.
We were exploring at the exact moment demand for battery metals, like lithium and copper, was exploding, so there was plenty of work.
But I reached a limit in what I could do. The advanced mining engineering skills I needed simply weren’t available locally, certainly not at a global best‑practice standard. So I began searching for postgraduate mining programs abroad.
That search led me to Camborne School of Mines (CSM) at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus,` Cornwall.
In most countries, Mining Engineering degrees were rigid, traditional, and required starting from scratch. Exeter stood out because it offered a conversion route for people like me: Geologists who had the capability and drive to move into Mining Engineering without needing another 4–5 years of study.
When I told people I was moving to a place called Cornwall, the reaction was mostly confusion.
“Where is that?”
“You always pick the strangest places!”
“Why not London? Or Manchester?”
Even I didn’t know what to expect. But I’m an Exploration Geologist at heart and adventure appeals to me. So I came with an open mind.
Nothing prepared me for how warm and supportive Cornwall would be. My first day set the tone: I arrived by coach, dragging my bags after an overnight trip, and a stranger offered me a lift without hesitation. I never saw her again, but that one moment captured the spirit of the community. Throughout my year there, the support, from locals, from classmates, from lecturers, was tremendous. I worked a couple of jobs while studying, and everywhere I went, people were kind, patient, and willing to help. Cornwall is quiet, calm, and perfect for study. My wife really prefers big cities with malls and bustle, but for me, it was exactly the environment I needed to apply myself.
One thing that distinguished CSM for me was the faculty. They understood the challenges faced by mature students and international students like myself. They were patient, inclusive, and deeply invested in seeing us succeed. Their guidance didn’t just teach me mining engineering, it transformed how I thought, worked, and saw my own potential.
One of the major advantages of being at CSM is the access to employers. Companies regularly come to speak with students, and many of them are connected to the strong CSM alumni network overseas. These events do 50% of the work for you because the school’s reputation opens doors before you even introduce yourself.
For me, getting into Australia required a sponsored visa and that made my path more complicated, but staying connected to CSM made the difference. I had actually just graduated when I saw that Barminco were recruiting (I still had access to the student portal). I applied, interviewed successfully, and the visa process began from there. Without CSM bringing employers to students, that opportunity might never have existed for me.
Today, I’m living in Perth with my family – yes, my wife finally got her big city! – and working in underground mining. Australia is the global destination for what I do. The industry is efficient, innovative, and focused on optimisation. Every project benefits – better schedules, higher NPV, safer and more productive operations. It’s exactly where I want to build my career long‑term.
Would I recommend CSM to international students? Absolutely.
The real question isn’t would I recommend it, but have I? And the answer is yes. Many times.
CSM is transformative. In one year, I went from having almost no mining engineering background to being industry‑ready. The training is rigorous and world‑class. The alumni network is powerful. The opportunities are greater than you imagine when you first arrive. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. It catapulted my career to a level I couldn’t have reached otherwise.
If you’re an international student wondering whether CSM is the right choice, especially if you come from a background like mine, my answer is simple: 100%, yes. It changed my life, and it can change yours too.