CSIRO Exploration & Mining chief Mike McWilliams said CUMT was a leading multi-disciplinary polytechnic university in coal mining science and technology with its Xuzhou and Beijing campuses holding a track record of more than 50 years in delivering advanced coal mining science and technology to the Chinese industry.

McWilliams said the agreement formalised an already successful relationship and enabled future exchanges and joint activities.

“This agreement will enable suitable CUMT candidates to help fill current and future positions for research scientists and post-doctoral fellows in Australia,” he said.

“The agreement will also allow some of CSIRO’s projects in China to be supported by CUMT research personnel.”

As part of the agreement, CSIRO and CUMT will collaborate in seven specific areas of research: coal mine gas, fire, outburst and water control; longwall mining technologies; geomechanics and ground control; mining automation; mine real-time monitoring instruments and systems; mine environmental management; and coal mine methane capture and utilisation.

University president Shirong Ge said CSIRO Exploration & Mining and CUMT shared common goals in improving mine safety and productivity and minimising the environmental impact of mining.

“We recognise that major issues such as deep mining can be addressed more efficiently and effectively through combined effort,” Ge said.