Cliff succeeds Professor Jim Joy and will focus on building safety and improving emergency management at minesites, areas in which the centre has a global reputation, he said.

“Although not perfect, the Australian safety system is one of the best in the world,” Cliff said.

“The MISHC is set to expand its work in this area, and will place emphasis on undertaking applied research into the health and safety problems facing the mining and minerals processing industry.”

In addition to the established areas of human factors and risk management, Cliff will be building upon his research in improving emergency preparedness and management.

“As recent events have shown, there is an urgent need for improvement in the mines' capacities to respond to emergencies, quickly and efficiently,” he said.

Working with MISHC since 2001 and with over 21 years experience in the health and safety mining industry, Cliff is qualified to drive the initiative forward.

“MISHC is internationally recognised as the pre-eminent centre for minerals industry risk management education,” he said.

“In my role as director I am hoping to create more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in this vital part of the resources sector.”

MISHC is one of six centres which make up the Sustainable Minerals Institute within the University of Queensland.

SMI works collaboratively with the resources sector throughout the world to deliver knowledge-based solutions for the sustainability challenges of the global resources industry.

MISHC is a good example of this approach and, through its industry partners, has developed a range of tools to assist the resources sector in managing its safety and health risks.