The fund will support a range of educational activities at UNSW including:

The upgrading and replacement of computing facilities provided for mine planning and design in the Mitsubishi Computing Laboratory.

Rural scholarships for undergraduate students studying or proposing to study in UNSW’s School of Mining Engineering.

Postgraduate research scholarships

The donation will be paid in $100,000 instalments over five years. UNSW will contribute at least 20% of the amount donated by Mitsubishi Development.

In 2003, Mitsubishi Development donated $150,000 to the university to fund education and research activities in surface mining.

“Mitsubishi Development has now had a relationship with the University of NSW for the past two years,” said Mitsubishi chief executive officer Tetsuo Terada. “We are delighted with the way that has progressed over that time.

“The creation of this Endowed Fund will assist greatly in the continuation of future and ongoing funding for education, so critical for the mining industry. The establishment of this fund enhances that partnership we have with the university.”

UNSW’s dean of engineering professor Brendon Parker said Mitsubishi’s generous contribution would help UNSW’S mining program contribute a growing number of graduates to the 150 required by industry annually.

“Our intake of mining students increased by 40% last year but our numbers need to keep steadily increasing if we are to help satisfy industry need.”