Australia mining scholarships for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — Australia is offering Filipino college students scholarships to study mining-related courses like mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, mine safety, environmental management, and community development, the Australian embassy here said.

The scholarship program, which will start this October 2009, will be offered in four universities: University of the Philippines-Diliman, Cebu Institute of Technology, University of Southeastern Philippines, and the Mindanao State University.

The Australian Government Aid Program, through the Philippines-Australia Human Resources Development, on Wednesday launched the Philippines-Australia Resources Education Excellence Program (Pareep), the new undergraduate scholarship program aimed to enhance Philippine mining industry.

“Australian expertise in responsible and sustainable mining is recognized globally. We are pleased to contribute and assist in the development of the mining industry in the Philippines,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said at the launch.

“The Philippines has huge potential to further develop its mineral wealth to provide local employment and investment opportunities that can contribute substantially to economic development and poverty alleviation,” he added.

Pareep is supported by industry partners, including the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, the Geological Society of the Philippines, the Philippine Mineral Exploration Association, the Society of Metallurgical Engineers of the Philippines, the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Mines.

Pareep will be funded by Australian and Philippine mining companies, including: Sagittarius Mines Inc, Leighton Contractors (Philippines), Rusina Mining, Filminera Resources and CGA Mining, Orica Philippines, and European Nickel. –INQUIRER.net