An inquiry concerning the future of the Western Australian School of Mines and the Eastern Goldfields Technical College that was undertaken by the Western Australian Post Secondary Education Commission is considered, as are the resulting recommendations. After a statement of the issues affecting the future of the schools and the community, background information is presented on the Eastern Goldfields region, including an assessment of the growth potential of the mining industry and its future manpower requirements. Information on postsecondary education in the region, including facilities, enrollments, staffing, and courses (with particular reference to courses providing qualifications for employment in the mining industry) are presented. A number of models that might provide for the future postsecondary education needs of the region and the professional manpower requirements of the state's mining industry are examined. Institutional models range from the status quo (two separate institutions) to a single integrated institution, the community college. In addition to the commission's recommendations, statistical data on student enrollments, information on labor requirements for mining occupations, information on use of tuition space at the Western Australian School of Mines and operating costs at the school, staff recruitment, and population statistics for the region are presented. (SW)