Eight Indigenous students travelled to Kalgoorlie-Boulder recently to take part in an inaugural five-day intensive program designed to inform and enthuse students about careers in the mining sector.
The program, hosted by Clontarf College in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Curtin WA School of Mines, and the Indigenous Students Action Group, aims to encourage Indigenous students to become further involved in mining education.
Throughout the program, students toured the Curtin WA School of Mines and TAFE facilities, participated in lab experiments, and visited various mine sites including an underground tour of Mt Charlotte.
Professor Sam Spearing, Director of Curtin WA School of Mines, said the program was a fantastic opportunity for Indigenous students to learn about the mining sector and spend time in the popular mining town in Western Australia.
“We are always trying to educate and engage with students about the mining industry and this program enables Indigenous students to become involved in an industry that they may have not considered as a future career,” Professor Spearing said.
“Throughout the program students were able to experience first-hand all aspects of the mining industry and spend days touring mining facilities, learn about studying here at Curtin WA School of Mines and also receive an overview of the roles, skills and attributes needed to work in the mining industry.”
The Indigenous Students Action Group Chairman Mr Keith Ross said the program provided a unique opportunity for Indigenous students to learn about the significant connections between the mining industry and Australian Indigenous land.
“The program emphasises the need for more Indigenous students to enter the mining and petroleum industry so that they can reap the benefits from Aboriginal land through exploration and mining.”
“Indigenous people already have a strong connection to the land that is currently being mined within Western Australia, so their existing relationships and knowledge of native land is such a huge advantage for them in the mining industry,” Mr Ross said.
The five-day program ran from 4 to 8 of December in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
