Akash Jain

Mining Engineering
“What really drew me to mining was its scale, especially in South Australia and Western Australia. Plus, the chance to travel for work and contribute to big projects is incredibly exciting.”

From a young age, Akash had a passion for innovation, science, and problem-solving.

Akash’s parents had a huge influence on the choice of his career, with his Dad being an engineer and Mum an accountant. They taught him the importance of hard work, but also the value of exploring new places. “I really love travelling with my family,” Akash says. “I always wanted a career that would allow me to travel and see the world.”

In high school, Akash excelled in maths, physics, and chemistry. His enthusiasm for problem-solving, technology, and innovation naturally led him to pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Adelaide.

“I’ve always loved innovative things, and maths and science were my favourite subjects,” Akash shares.

At first, Akash considered petroleum and mechanical engineering, but he ultimately chose mining because of its impact on Australia and the world. “What really drew me to mining was its scale, especially in South Australia and Western Australia. Plus, the chance to travel for work and contribute to big projects is incredibly exciting,” Akash explains. “I’ve grown up traveling, so the FIFO lifestyle is appealing to me.” 

​Balancing university and life outside of the academic aspect is important to Akash. "I enjoy being at university because it's not just about studying. You're surrounded by friends, and there are so many clubs and events to be part of. 

Akash is also a committee member  for the Adelaide University Engineering Society, helping to organise various events, and a mining engineering representative of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) Student Chapter.
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In his spare time, Akash loves playing table tennis, both for a bit of fun and competitively. He plays for the Payneham Table Tennis Academy and this year has moved up to the State League Reserve Division. 

He was surprised to learn he had been awarded the Playford Trust Scholarship. “I was working that day and had just finished my shift. When I checked my emails in the break room, I saw the news. It was such an unreal feeling,” Akash recalls.

The scholarship has opened incredible opportunities for Akash in the mining industry and has further motivated him for what lies ahead. Through the Playford Trust and its associations with SACOME Akash secured work experience with Peak Iron Mines. “It’s been amazing to work on-site and gain real-world experience. I’m excited to continue. It’s given me the opportunity to look at the mining industry from the inside and understand better where I can fit into it."

Akash’s advice for students considering a similar career path is simple: “If you love math, science, and want a lifestyle with travel opportunities, the resources sector is perfect for you,” he says. I love that the sector allows you to contribute a lot to Australia.”

Looking to the future, Akash would love to work in Western Australia, where many large mining sites are, but he’s also open to exploring other locations. “Honestly, I want to work anywhere, explore different mine sites, and learn about different commodities,” he says.

He’s particularly interested in pit design, as he finds the optimisation and sustainability aspects of mining exciting. Akash is also intrigued by mining automation and the potential for autonomous trucks and remote operations.

“Driving sustainable mining practices and making mining safer with autonomous trucks really interests me,” Akash says. “I'd love to go to a mine site and see a truck operating without anyone driving it. That would be fascinating.”

For students wondering if this path is for them, Akash offers words of encouragement: “Stay curious, stay motivated, and remember that hard work always pays off. The opportunities in mining are endless. It’s an industry that will take you places."