The WA Mining Club recently organised an experience for 20 students from various metropolitan and regional schools called the Get Into Mining Camp. Led by Barry Upton, along with Peter Crooks and Rachel Bermoy, this initiative aims to engage young minds and provide them with a firsthand look at the mining industry.
A Three-Day Journey of Discovery
Over three action-packed days, students had the unique opportunity to explore several key operations within the mining sector. The itinerary included visits to:
These visits are a key part of the WA Mining Club’s education engagement portfolio, designed to inspire future generations and assist them in making informed career choices.
Day 2 Highlights
On Day 2 of the camp, students toured Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes Mine and the Albemarle Lithium Refinery, gaining insights into one of the most crucial sectors in mining today. The group were honoured to be the first ever high school group to visit the Albemarle Lithium Refinery! The day concluded with a STEM outreach session, emphasising the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the industry.
The students were engaged from dawn to dusk, learning about the intricacies of mining operations and the various career paths available to them.
Gratitude for Support
The success of the Get Into Mining Camp would not have been possible without the generous support of several organisations. Special thanks go to Curtin University, Tyber Education, and Paul Turley for their contributions, as well as to our host companies for facilitating these invaluable experiences. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to Epiroc for their sponsorship, which has been big part in bringing this initiative to life.
Feedback
Overall the students rated the camp 9 out of 10 and all of them indicated they were more likely to pursue a career in mining post the camp experience. This feedback validates the purpose of the camp, opening minds to the wonderful opportunities the industry has to offer.
Looking Ahead
The WA Mining Club is proud to offer programs like the Get Into Mining Camp, initiating connections between students and the mining industry. By providing these opportunities, we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators in mining.
Together, let’s continue to build a bright future for our industry and the talented young minds that will shape it.