A delegation from BHP Billiton paid a visit to the College of Engineering on December 16 to discuss cooperation issues. The delegation included Dr. Graham Winkleman, Senior Environment Manager, Chai Tan, VP Corporate Affairs Marketing, Ouyang Jun, Country Manager Corporate Affairs, and Cathy Ho, Specialist Corporate Affairs. They were warmly received by Prof. Dongxiao Zhang, dean of the College of Engineering, Prof. Heng Li, researcher of the Department of Energy and Resources, and Ms. Lin Zhao of the Peking University Education Foundation.

BHP Billiton is a leading global resources company, with its headquarter in Melbourne, Australia. It was ranked 115th in the Fortune 500 of Year 2013. According to Dr. Winkleman, in response to the challenges brought by climate change, BHP Billiton put great focus on technology research, and is actively seeking cooperation with governments, companies and research institutes.

Prof. Dongxiao Zhang introduced the departments, faculty members, and research fields of the college, especially the research in Carbon Capture and Storage and shale gas. He also mentioned the college’s collaboration model with multinational companies like Boeing, ExxonMobil and Schlumberger.

After detailed communication and discussion, the two parties agreed that understanding should be deepened by organizing workshops in the near future, which may be followed on by establishing joint research centers.