• Click here for Kirwan SHS workshop photos
• Click here for Spinifex State College workshop photos

Science-curious students in North-West Queensland have been digging deep to discover geological treasures and the impact of new technologies in mining exploration.

Over the last week the students from Kirwan State High School in Townsville and Spinifex State College in Mount Isa, have participated in a series of Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) workshops delivered in partnership with Glencore Mount Isa Mines.

Year 10 students from both schools have completed STEM Unearthed workshops focusing on the role new technologies are playing in the exploration, production and sustainability of mining operations.

Today Year 8 science students at Kirwan SHS had fun exploring the minerals hidden beneath the earth’s surface in a Treasures of the Earth workshop.

Kirwan SHS principal, Heather Murry, said the interactive workshop was a great introduction to the origins, formation, and value of our mineral resources.

“The hands-on activities gave the students a deeper understanding of how minerals form, where they can be found and how they are used to create objects they use every day,” Ms Murry said.

Katrina-Lee Jones, Policy Director for the Queensland Resources Council, said the workshops had been developed to give real-world context to the Australian curriculum.

“These workshops open the students minds to the role resources play in our community and in creating future energy solutions,” said Ms Jones.

“They also help to guide young people into roles that are experiencing skill shortages like engineers, hydrologists, surveyors and mobile plant technicians”

“The resources industry is an incredibly dynamic and we are keen to also show students the exciting careers they can have in this field.”

This year the QMEA is celebrating 20 years of inspiring students to follow a trades or science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) study pathway with a focus on the many rewarding career opportunities in the resources sector.