Dr Col GreensillCentral Queensland University has pledged to establish the Mackay campus as its hub for Mining Education and Research by the middle of this year.

This means mining degrees and programs will be delivered from CQU Mackay and the campus will be the focal point for mining-related research developments.

The University's Associate Professor for Mining Dr Col Greensill is planning his team's move to Mackay and is actively recruiting an additional 2 new mining lecturers.

His team will be responsible for an existing suite of associate degrees in mining (already popular with mining firms), an existing mining engineering partnership degree (with University of Queensland) and for development of postgraduate programs and short courses.

They will also enhance the critical mass of expertise on the campus at a time when it has been earmarked as a centre for simulation training and a possible site for a Mining Technology Innovation Centre.

CQU Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean Professor Elizabeth Taylor said the University's pledge would help support other mining-related initiatives for the campus and wider community of Mackay. 

"It's important that each campus develops its own flavour and mining is a natural fit for Mackay," she said.

"Mackay will be our focus for development of mining engineering, mineral processing, workplace health and safety, geosciences and environmental management related to mining," she said.

Head of Campus Dr Trevor Davison welcomed the pledge which would give the wider city and region more bargaining power in terms of its reputation for mining.

"This is just the start of something much bigger," he said.