Residents rave about Iron Knob mine tour

Community, Our people, Uncategorized > 26th June, 2024

SIMEC Mining takes town people through its iron ore operation

SIMEC Mining Iron Ore broke new ground at Iron Knob recently but it wasn’t with a digger … it was an operation that involved two buses, a handful of staff and nearly 40 local residents.

In what many of the locals described as a “mind blowing” experience, SIMEC Mining hosted the first-ever residents tour of the mining operation west of Whyalla. It was all part of the GFG Alliance Whyalla Engagement Team’s continued interaction with the tiny town’s community that lives every day with the mining operation in its backyard.

Organised and hosted by Community Engagement Coordinator Danielle “Dan” Bateman, it was an amazing experience for all involved including the tour guides Tony Peterson (Manager Mining and MEP Execution) and Leighton Wilsdon (Iron Knob Superintendent) with help from Roger Pengelly (Golding Contractors).

You see the trucks at the top sometimes and I’d always wondered where they go and what they are doing so it was great to see them in action

Iron Knob resident Daphne Lache

The tour was all about giving back to the residents and making sure they had the opportunity to see the operation firsthand. Residents were given the opportunity to register for the Residents Mine Tour at the Mine Update meeting held in February.

“For a town of approximately 100 residents, to have nearly 40 of them turn out see the mine that operates over their back fence, was a great result,” Dan said. “They were absolutely amazed at the size of the mine and the professionalism of operation with the diggers, dump trucks and dredge.

“We had people from eight years old to 80 years old, a couple of former workers from the mine but also many that have lived at Iron Knob for a long time but have never seen inside the operation.”

Dan said the reaction of the residents when they stopped at each location, and the gratitude they showed for the tour, was just one of the highlights. She said the residents were amazed at each site.

“We had people hugging us after the tour and saying they didn’t realise how big the mine was and how significant the operation is,” Dan said.

“Those that worked here previously were amazed by how much progress has been made in recent years while for others, it was a penny-dropping moment as they realised what the operation was all about.

“When it comes to engagement and community interaction, this was priceless.”

The residents were treated to a barbecue lunch after the tour before many Iron Knob Residents attended their Progress Association meeting at the Iron Knob Tourist Centre.

For a town of approximately 100 residents, to have nearly 40 of them turn out see the mine that operates over their back fence, was a great result

Community Engagement Coordinator Danielle Bateman

Resident Daphne Lache said their group couldn’t have asked for more in all aspects of the tour and the knowledge they gained about the mine.

“You see the trucks at the top sometimes and I’d always wondered where they go and what they are doing so it was great to see them in action,” Daphne said.

“It was a wonderful day and I’m looking forward to the next tour.”

The tour was an extension to the regular schedule of engagement from SIMEC Mining that includes four Community Chat sessions every year and two “Mine Update evenings” where mining staff cook the locals dinner and deliver presentations from across the business and have a chat and answer questions.

“Having this relationship with the Iron Knob residents and keeping them up to date with our operations goes a long way,” Dan said.

“They’ve all gone away self-proclaimed ‘experts’ on the mine after an experience that we hope will even evoke a bit more pride of their town the mining operation that it is famous for.”

SIMEC Mining is a regular contributor to the community at Iron Knob. It is the major sponsor of the local golf club’s annual tournament, it supports initiatives from the Progress Association, provides gravel for town facilities and provides equipment at times to perform works around the town, and has even brought a small arts experience to the community.

Main Image: Iron Knob resident Daphne Lache gets a first-hand look at the mining operation from a viewing point. Right middle: Iron Knob residents board one of the buses for the mine tour. Above right: Iron Knob residents and tour guides enjoy a barbecue lunch after the tour. 

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