Queensland Magnesia (QMAG) has signed a memorandum of understanding with CQUniversity to collaborate on research, education and training opportunities.

Managing director Brendon Pambid said the MOU would help QMAG further harness innovation by working directly with university researchers to realise new efficiencies and share knowledge and resources.

“As an industry leader engaging directly with researchers on projects aimed at continuous improvement, particularly when it comes to operational processing efficiencies and sustainability, is something we see as critical to our future growth,” he said.

“We also look forward to working with the university on professional development initiatives for our current employees and providing opportunities for CQUniversity students to participate in industry relevant study and work-integrated learning experiences across at our QMAG sites.”

QMAG is a leading supplier of caustic calcined, deadburned and electrofused magnesia products for use in the refractory, chemical, agricultural, environmental and hydrometallurgical sectors.

The company has mining operations at Kunwarara and Yaamba near Rockhampton and a processing plant at Parkhurst.

CQUniversity vice-chancellor and president Nick Klomp said the MOU with QMAG was another example of how the university worked directly with industry to inform its operations across skills development, learning and teaching, and research.

“CQUniversity’s strong partnerships with industry help to ensure CQUniversity is delivering industry-ready graduates and industry relevant research,” Professor Klomp said.

CQUniversity vice-chancellor and president Nick Klomp (centre) at the signing with QMAG executives Brendon Pambid and Christoph Beyer.