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Pioneering students from Dingo State School are becoming young explorers today as they embark on a mineral-packed learning extravaganza. The Magnetic South initiative will be run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and will form part of the “Magnetic South’s Highway Schools Program”.

Thanks to a ground-breaking partnership with Magnetic South, 40 students from grades three to six are digging the world of geological discovery as they unearth the fascinating connections between Queensland’s mineral resources and everyday life.

Magnetic South’s Resource Development – Divisional Manager, Mr James Xu said the company is proud to be partnering with QMEA to foster a passion for the earth Sciences among the next generation.

“I was passionate about geology and the resources sector from a young age and I am very excited to be able to share that passion with students from Dingo State School as part of this new partnership with QMEA.”

“With an increasing demand for experienced geologists, we want to empower students from the local community in which we operate with the knowledge and skills that will shape the success of the mining sector for generations to come” Mr Xu said.

“We’re pivoting away from traditional learning methods today, delivering activities linked to the Australian Curriculum that shows students geology isn’t just a study of rocks; it’s an adventure that uncovers the secrets of our planet, and we hope this inspires them to pursue rewarding careers in the resources sector.”

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said after today, these budding geologists are set to embark on an exciting career journey in the resources and energy sector that promises to be as solid as the rocks they’ll encounter.

“’Rock and roll’ is taking on a whole new meaning today as students kick off this inaugural workshop by selecting, describing, and even bestowing unique names upon various geological treasures,” Ms Jones said.

“They’ll work in teams to complete hands-on activities that go beyond the fundamentals of rock formations and minerals, drawing connections to so many things in our daily lives that we take for granted.”

Dingo State School Principal, Mrs Louise Dunne said the school was excited to be hosting this innovative educational experience which cleverly complements classroom learning objectives.

“School-based workshops like this help our students connect science concepts with real-world applications, bridging the gap between theory and potential career paths they might want to explore later in life,” Mrs Dunne said.

“The resources sector plays a significant role in the Central Highlands Regional community, and students will greatly benefit from having Magnetic South representatives at the workshop today to guide them through tasks and share personal insights about their own professional pathways.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools 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 98 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.