MMG Dugald River has hosted a group of students from the local Cloncurry State School for talks on mining careers, and a tour of the mine facilities.
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Over 20 female students and teachers across years 8 to 12 were invited to visit the mine site as part of initiatives by Dugald River Mine to support International Women's Day showcasing the great value women in resources add to the industry, and to demonstrate where a career in mining can lead.
Students had a morning tea of cakes and slices, and after a quick welcome from General Manager, Tim Akroyd, and a visitor induction; students were given their PPE for the day, and set off on a bus tour of the mine site facilities.
The first stop was Dugald River's Processing Plant where students were shown the 'bubble experiment' with a jar of water and detergent, simulating the flotation process used to separate and extract valuable mineral from the unwanted material.
They next visited the North Portal opening, one of two main entrances used for for trucking ore to the surface by heavy machinery.
This was closed for the students to experience an up close scale of this vast entry point.
The highlight of the day was hearing from female employees forging their careers in mining, and the pathways they have taken. Students heard stories of resilience as employees related working in the fast food industry to pay for university, studying while raising a young family, and travelling the country to pursue ambitions.
Larrae Rencoule's story resonated with many students, after leaving school early and trying her hand at various jobs before landing her current role with MMG as an Apprentice Electrician.
At the start of the day, students were asked whether they were considering a job in mining, with only two raised hands going up. When the same question was asked at the conclusion of talks, half of the group raised their hands, and teachers encouraged MMG to conduct more school visits.
Jody Seymour, Traineeship Coordinator, said it was great to see the next generation take an interest in mining.
"We definitely encourage any students who are considering a job in resources to look out for our Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program which we advertise in July," she said.,
READ ALSO: Cloncurry poetry prize winner announced
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