Introducing Coen Louwarts

Meet the new president of the Royal School of Mines Association

Kurt Budge (Mineral Resources Engineering 1992) relinquished the presidency of the Royal School of Mines Association (RSMA) at the association’s AGM on 25 June 2009. Reflecting on his presidency, Kurt said: “I guess no one is surprised how the last two years have passed by so quickly. Grand plans in mid-2007 have taken longer to come to fruition and the ‘to do list’ remains long – especially from last year’s survey."

In Kurt’s place, Coen Louwarts has assumed the stewardship of the association. Following his election, we wanted to know a little bit more about him – who he is and what he’s like - so read on to gain an insight into the RSMA’s new president.

What did you study at Imperial College?
I came over to the Royal School of Mines (RSM) from Delft University of Technology in 1995 to do my final year in Mining Engineering. Before starting at the RSM, staff had already given me the opportunity to do vacation work in the mining industry in Australia for three months, which ultimately resulted in my first job.
 
What’s your fondest memory of being a student?
Apart from having been given the opportunity to visit and work in interesting places across the globe, it will be the establishment of lifelong good friendships. I still meet up with university friends on a very regular basis. Going back to the union bar after RSM or RSMA events brings back good memories.
 
What makes you most proud of being an alumnus of the RSM?
The Royal School of Mines has produced some outstanding alumni throughout the years, and continues to do so. It has a very good reputation in the industry and being part of the RSMA provides access to a great network of fellow professionals.
 
What has been the most interesting moment of your career?
I have been fortunate enough to experience a wide range of work environments, from operations to corporate. Each area provides interesting moments. One memorable moment early in my career was that after setting off a large overburden blast in a mine, I received a phone call from the geological survey department about 1,000 kilometres away asking whether there had been an earthquake in the region.
 
What trait do you most value in your friends and colleagues?
For me reliability and fairness are very important traits. In addition some sense of humour is very good to break the ice in difficult situations.
 
How do you feel about being RSMA president?
Of course I am proud to be elected president of the RSMA, a wonderful organisation with a large base of alumni members and a dedicated committee. It is great to be part of this association, and it is an excellent way to stay in touch with the staff and students at the RSM.
 
What will be your first priority as RSMA president?
Initially it will be to build further upon the results of last year's member survey and the good work that my predecessor, Kurt Budge, started. In addition, especially in the current climate, I think that providing more networking opportunities will be very important for our existing alumni as well as for RSM students about to graduate. Another priority is to make the 125th Annual Dinner in November a great success.

For more information about the RSMA's 125th Annual Dinner can be found in the alumni event calendar.
 
Describe yourself in three words.
Commitment, listening, humour.