Mining Engineering expert receives prestigious Outstanding Service Award

Dr Patrick Foster received the Award for Outstanding Service from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) at a special ceremony held at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.

Dr Foster, a senior lecturer at the CSM, was presented with the award by Professor Robert Pine - a former Head of the mining school - during a meeting of the Cornish Institute of Engineers, an affiliated local society of IOM3.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dr Foster said: “I am surprised but absolutely delighted to receive this award. I have been a member of the Institute for almost 25 years and have always been involved in local societies, because of the vital role that they play.

“To be recognised in this way is a real honour, and I’m very grateful to everyone involved for this truly special award.”

Dr Foster is a Senior Lecturer in Mining Engineering at the CSM, where he lectures and undertakes research into the health, safety and working environment aspects of mining and quarrying. His particular research interests are in safety management systems, human factors, risk management, surveying and underground communications. He is also the Statutory Mine manager for the CSM Test Mine.

He graduated in Mining Engineering from the University of Nottingham, where he stayed on to complete his PhD looking into safety risk assessment in the mining industry supported by British Coal. He then joined International Mining Consultants Ltd as a Mine Safety Consultant where he was involved in health & safety management system audits, risk assessment training and research in the UK, India and South Africa.

In 2013, Dr Foster was President of the Cornish Institute of Engineers during its centenary year. He also chaired and convened a major international conference in London for the IOM3 (the 35^th International Conference of Safety in Mines Research Institutes).

Professor Pine led the tributes to Dr Foster’s contribution to the industry. He said: “This award reflected not only Pat’s specific achievements but also the popularity and respect with which he is held both locally and beyond.

“He has a particular passion for safety in the mining industry and has done a great deal to promote a ‘zero-harm’ environment through technological and behavioural advances, working with mining companies in several countries.  This award is thoroughly deserved.”