The $7 million Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence, delivered in partnership with Mackay Regional Council, was completed and opened in mid-2020.
Mackay is one of Queensland’s major resource industry support hubs. The centre leverages off existing local expertise to further advance the state’s vision for the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector. The world-class centre is driving research and innovation, will increase export opportunities and provide safer and more accelerated training options for students and apprentices.
The facility features an Underground Simulator Mining Facility, control room, workshop, laboratory and classrooms. The mine simulator spans more than 6800m2 and replicates the physical conditions of working underground.
This ‘living lab’ environment provides a wide range of capabilities across training and education; product research and development, demonstration and filming; and enables new emergency response procedures to be tested and improved. Close-to-real conditions provides a controlled environment that greatly assists with product innovation and demonstrations.
The centre is also home to the Mackay Manufacturing Hub that is boosting the development of regional manufacturers and their associated local supply chains.