Burdekin students will have the opportunity to shake the hands that mined the gold which made the Melbourne Cup today when they participate in the STEM4School Kids program run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy.

Professionals from Evolution Mining’s Mt Carlton operation will be working with Home Hill and Ayr State High School students, including sharing their career stories to inspire students to follow in their footsteps by pursuing a  science technology engineering and maths (STEM) related resources sector career.

“The Evolution team are looking forward to taking the students through their paces as they investigate mineral processing and chemical extraction; mine planning and logistics throughout the whole mining process, from exploration to rehabilitation,” said Evolution Mining’s Health, Safety and Community Manager Mark Brown.

“It’s a great way for Burdekin students to experience the amazing array of careers available to them in the resources sector, as well as the exciting end products that can result, such as the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup, which has been made from gold from our Mt Carlton operation,” he said.

“This year we have hosted nine Burdekin QMEA students at Mt Carlton for work experience.  Our team enjoyed showing them around and seeing their faces light up whilst exploring the mine, seeing the various career possibilities available for them locally and, for some, getting to speak with Evolution’s Executive Chairman, Jake Klein.”

“It will be the first time STEM4School Kids QMEA Program will be run in the Burdekin, although we have had other QMEA programs here previously, it has been great to see the difference it makes to students when they talk to industry representatives as it enables them to visualise their future career paths and understand the commitment it will need in their school work,” said Ayr State High School Principal Craig Whittred.