Click here for Pimlico SHS workshop photos.

Click here for Ignatius Park College workshop photos.

Townsville students are gaining fresh insights into the fascinating world of critical minerals thanks to new geology workshops developed by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with James Cook University (JCU).

The STEM workshops focus on the exploration and production of critical minerals and the role they play in the production of new technologies, essential materials and everyday objects.

The first workshops have been delivered to Year 8 students at Pimlico State High School and Year 10 students at Ignatius Park College this week.

QMEA Director Jen Hoyle said the workshops helped students see how a strong local industry connects to global demand for critical minerals, while firing up their interest in science.

 “The students have jumped into these workshops with real enthusiasm,” Ms Hoyle said.

“They’re curious, engaged and asking great questions about the geology behind an industry that matters here in north Queensland and around the world.”

During the half-day workshop students worked in teams to identify critical minerals in various objects, completed a geological exploration activity and conducted an experiment to identify how copper is produced.

They also got to examine mineral deposits in geological rock samples brought to them by geologists from the JCU Economic Geology Research Centre.

Kaylene Camuti, Manager of the JCU Economic Geology Research Centre, said the workshops were a great way to show local students the importance of critical minerals in north Queensland.

“North Queensland has rich critical mineral resources, so this was a wonderful opportunity to work with the QMEA and bring that story to local students,” Ms Camuti said.

“Having geologists from our centre in the classroom means the students have access to real experts who can answer their questions and encourage their curiosity about the world of geology.”

 

There is a plan to deliver the critical mineral workshops to more Townsville schools in the future – connecting local students with the mining industry.