Click here for school workshop photos.  

From little things, big things grow.  

That was the key learning for students from Duaringa, Dingo and Bluff State Schools this week participating in special full-day Mining Big Ideas workshop, where they explored the wonderful world of geology and the process for extracting minerals and metals.  

The workshops were delivered by the QMEA Resources Skills Academy in partnership with Magnetic South, with team members on hand to answer students’ questions about the local geology and mining operations. 

Darryl Kidcaff, Chief Operating Officer for Magnetic South, said the workshops were a great chance to connect with the students.  

“Mining surrounds these school communities and many of the students have family working in the industry,” said Mr Kidcaff.  

“These workshops create a link between their school lessons and industry operations which gives students a better understanding of our operations and how it relates back to their studies,” he said.  

“Conducting an experiment to explore how minerals are extracted is a great example of how chemistry and science is applied in resource operations.” 

The Mining Big Ideas workshop follows on from a successful Junior Geologists workshop delivered to the same primary schools earlier this year.  

Jen Hoyle, QMEA Director, said the workshop topics had been especially developed for the Bowen Basin primary schools.  

“We partnered with Magnetic South to create an educational experience that catered for the younger students and referenced the unique geological features of the region,” said Ms Hoyle.  

“The Junior Geologists workshops focused on what resources are and the Mining Big Ideas workshops provides the sequel with a focus on how resources are extracted from the ground,” she said.  

“By the end of the day the students will know more about mining processes, environmental management and how new technologies are being used in the industry.” 

It was a big day of discovery for some of our smallest students, with lessons that dug deep into the resources shaping their region.