Well, it seems that this blog is going to become one of the millions started and never updated. I am just so busy! Although I have spent the majority of my time recently at work in Mount Isa, I have been up to a bit.

I'm currently studying for a Graduate Diploma of Mining. I have been working in the mining industry for a little while and although I started out as an operator, I'm increasingly being asked to undertake more technical work than I'm really qualified for. The program will take two years part time and is a good compromise between a full time Engineering degree and weekend courses at the local TAFE. I'm in Ballarat at the moment for the block study component; a week of drill and blast and a week of surface mining operations. Fun eh? Atleast I have some idea about the content, I still have no clue what we did in Mineral Economics.

Ballarat is cold by the way. I was in Mount Isa for 3 weeks preceeding my trip down here and it was almost hot.

I rolled my ankle big time last week. My first work accident and it was doing a job I do everyday. Really annoying. Really painful. I still can't walk properly. Haven't had time to see a doctor yet, so I hope I haven't broken anything.

Its just me at work now. The only technical employee on site. The mine is very close to its end of life, only 2 blasts to go when I'm back at work, then 6 or so weeks of rehab and its all over. So I'll be there for the duration and after that who knows! We finished mining the northern section of the pit before I left and the photo below is how it was surveyed. Bloody ridicuclous.



I took Kate away for a weekend at Pethers down in the Gold Coast hinterland. It rained the entire time we were there, but was beautiful and I'd recommend it to anyone. Had a great time, bit of wine tasting at Witches Falls, dinner out, visit to a man made glow worm cave.

And last but not least Kate's parents bought her (us?) a new car! Absolutely wonderful gift. Its all been happening, but now I have a bit of time I'm looking for work.