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A Moura State High School classroom has transformed into a scavenger hunt today as Grade 7 and 8 students participated in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) Treasures of the Earth workshop, thanks to support from Anglo American.

In this unique education experience delivered by the QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), over 75 students hunted down resourceful clues that connected critical mineral resources to everyday products like smart phones, home appliances, and even the Metaverse.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said this interactive workshop raised student awareness of the important role mining plays in creating a modern, safe, technology-driven world.

“Guided by representatives from Anglo American, this experience was all about highlighting the significance of the resources and energy sector, especially as society moves toward a net zero future,” Ms Jones said.

“Today’s activities, based on the Minerals Council of Australia’s ‘30 Things’ publication, cleverly integrated the excitement and teamwork of a treasure hunt into a science lesson about the Periodic Table of Elements, directly linking to the national science curriculum.”

General Manager of Anglo American’s Dawson Mine, Clarence Robertson, said in addition to helping students understand the importance of mineral resources, this workshop was a valuable opportunity to bolster their collaborative and problem-solving skills.

“The mining sector provides the metals and minerals, such as steelmaking coal, that are not only essential to modern life, but are also critical in supporting the transition to a low carbon economy.

“We’re pleased to have members of our Anglo American team supporting the workshop today, mentoring students through the workshop tasks and providing personal insights into the exciting roles on offer in our sector for many years to come.

“We’re committed to regional skills development, including in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) areas, and we hope this experience will encourage students to pursue tertiary pathways to a rewarding career in mining,” he said.

Moura State High School Deputy Principal, Ms Jill Lees said the workshop was a fantastic way to engage with students in their early senior school years to help them understand what materials go into products they’re likely using every day.

“From the computers they do their homework on, to the solar panels on their roofs and the toothpaste they used this morning, mineral resources play a huge part of our lives, and students benefit from learning how these commodities are safely and efficiently produced,” Ms Lees said.

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.