Western Australia’s world-leading mining education sector is expanding its global reach through a new transnational partnership that will enable Argentinian engineering students to study in WA and graduate with dual qualifications.
Governor Marcelo Orrego, San Juan, signing an MoU with WASM delegates, September 2025. Image: Austrade
The initiative, led by Curtin University’s Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) Head of School Professor Mark Buntine and Director of Industry and Government Engagement John O’Neill, will see students from Argentina commence studies in their home country before finishing their degrees in Western Australia, positioning WA as a destination for world-class mining education.
The project was developed with support from Austrade’s TradeStart program, delivered through CCIWA, together with industry leadership from JSW Drilling Executive Director Arvind Misra, who brought together government, industry and education partners across Australia and Argentina.
Misra developed the project concept through his work with exploration company and CCIWA Member Belararox in Argentina earlier this year. He then partnered with CCIWA’s TradeStart team to introduce WASM to Mendoza and San Juan regional governors and universities with whom the memorandums of understanding were signed.
Together, the agreements lay the groundwork for a dual-degree mining engineering program that will see Argentinian students spend up to two years studying in WA.
“Belararox is proud to have initiated this dialogue, brought the parties together and guided the discussions from concept to negotiation and finally to today’s signing,” Misra told The Australian in September.
“These agreements highlight our commitment to enabling knowledge sharing and strengthening international ties that benefit both Argentina and Australia.”
International education as a WA export
International education is a growing export sector for WA, with education-related personal travel exports reaching a record $3.7 billion in 2024 – a 13% increase on the previous year.
The WASM partnership demonstrates how specialised education – particularly in mining and resources – can deliver long-term trade and economic benefits.
The dual degree model not only attracts international students to WA but also strengthens global demand for Australian qualifications and expertise.
Founded in Coolgardie in 1902, Curtin’s School of Mines is ranked fifth globally for mineral and mining engineering studies, underscoring its standing as one of the world’s premier mining schools.
“Our expertise is concentrated in mining engineering, metallurgy, chemical engineering and energy engineering. WASM degrees are highly prestigious, and our graduates are sought after around the world,” O’Neill said.
TradeStart opens doors across borders
Austrade’s TradeStart program played a critical role in coordinating the stakeholders from concept to a formal international agreement.
Early in 2025, Arvind Misra identified the opportunity in Argentina and, working with CCIWA TradeStart Adviser Darren Levy, facilitated introductions between Curtin University, Argentinian universities and provincial governments.
The project also drew support from WA-based industry, with the Argentine Chamber of Commerce in Australia (ArCham) CEO Dario Bongiovanni travelling to Argentina to assist Curtin’s team with facilitation and translation during negotiations.
Former Austrade Argentina representative Norma Ramiro also provided local assistance, supporting visiting Curtin delegates and ensuring discussions progressed smoothly.
Building long-term trade relationships
While the immediate benefit is increased student mobility to WA, the broader objective is to embed WA expertise in emerging mining economies and drive long-term demand for Australian education, research collaboration and professional services.
Thanks to strong global interest, WASM is already exploring similar partnerships in other major mining regions, including Peru, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India.
The project highlights how collaboration between government, industry and education can turn expertise into export growth, positioning international education as a trade opportunity and a strategic asset.
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