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A group of inquisitive Year 8 students today embarked on an extraordinary learning journey facilitated by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Thanks to support from Bravus Mining and Resources, this unique education experience enthralled young minds from Pimlico State High School and transformed them into intrepid earth-science investigators for a day.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said with experienced industry representatives on-hand from Bravus Mining and Resources, students identified fascinating connections between elements in the Periodic Table and their role in our daily lives.

“Students participated in an interactive treasure hunt based on the Minerals Council of Australia’s (MCA) ’30 Things’ publication, uncovering the critical links between natural resources and everyday items that make the world safer, productive, and exciting,” Ms Jones said.

“This workshop was an exciting and engaging way to help the next generation understand the importance of the resources and energy sector, where if something isn’t grown – it’s mined!”.

Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said this was the second workshop proudly delivered by the QMEA with the support of Bravus at Pimlico State High School in the last three weeks.

“The mining industry is both the backbone of the Australian economy and of modern society, providing the raw commodities that go into the products we all rely on every day,” Mr Crowe said.

“The fact we employed more than 2,600 people during the construction of the Carmichael Mine and Rail Project, the vast majority of whom came from regional Queensland, is something we’re really proud of.

“Now that our mine and railway are built and we’re exporting high-quality coal, we’re excited to show the next generation exactly what responsible mining looks like, and the pathways that are available and could lead them to a rewarding career at Carmichael.”

Pimlico State High School Principal, Mr Stephen Baskerville said this workshop was a captivating platform for students to collaborate with industry professionals and gain firsthand insight into the importance of a local industry.

“Our school loves hosting QMEA events, and Treasures of the Earth helped them bridge the gap between knowledge they’re picking up in the classroom and real-world applications,” Mr Baskerville said.

“We hope today’s session has helped bolster their geology and earth sciences knowledge and empowered them with the confidence to make informed decisions about their future educational and vocational 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 91 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.