SIMEC opportunity enhances learning and life-skills training
20 September 2024
Whyalla’s Year 9 and 10 GFG Foundation students were treated to a SIMEC Mining site tour recently as part of their two-term programme of STEM-based learning and life-skills training.
Mine site tours are rare so it was a great opportunity for the students to gain an insight into the workings of the nearby Iron Duke iron ore operation. The students were kitted out in the necessary PPE safety wear before being supervised on site by SIMEC Mining Superintendent Matt Vasey, Paul Bagshaw from contractor Goldings and GFG Foundation mentors Angie Stokes and Jeff Duance.
Industry experience is a lynchpin of the GFG Foundation Student Programme, so excursions such as these are so important in that they allow our students to experience the practical, local manifestation of STEM
GFG Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Jonny Samengo
CSIRO Education Specialist Carol Rance accompanied the group around the site and said it was a ‘fabulous day’ with the students showing an abundance of curiosity and a keen interest in the operation. CSIRO, along with the King’s Trust, is a key strategic working partner with the GFG Foundation with Carol a hands-on tutor in Whyalla.
“It was a brilliant day all round, with students learning much about the logistics and processes involved in mining operations, along with the many and varied areas for possible employment down the track,” Carol said.
“As we toured the extensive Iron Duke mine, we witnessed the huge stockpiles of magnetite, and talked to many staff employed in a variety of fields within the mining operations.”
GFG Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Jonny Samengo said these visits were not only enjoyable but were vitally important for the programme and the students.
“Industry experience is a lynchpin of the GFG Foundation Student Programme, so excursions such as these are so important in that they allow our students to experience the practical, local manifestation of STEM,” Jonny said.
“We are very grateful to SIMEC for making these incredible excursions possible.”
The Year 9 and 10 cohorts of the programme started in April this year and conclude in October after two school terms. The Whyalla Year 7 and 8 students have now started their one-term programme and will also finish in October. Both groups end the year with a presentation and delivery of their project results from the after-school sessions.
It was a brilliant day all round, with students learning much about the logistics and processes involved in mining operations, along with the many and varied areas for possible employment down the track
CSIRO Education Specialist Carol Rance
The GFG Foundation programme helps and supports young people in the communities in which our GFG Alliance businesses (Liberty Steel, SIMEC Mining and InfraBuild, to name a few) have a substantial presence. It gives students an opportunity to learn outside the school constraints of timetable and curriculum by helping them understand the world of technology, engineering, maths and science and how it relates to life, business and industry in their own community.
Main picture: GFG Foundation students get up close and personal to a mining vehicle. Top right: GFG Foundation students learn more about the iron ore operations. Above right: Mentors and SIMEC Mining employees who assisted with the tour. Below: GFG Foundation students and their guides prepare for the tour.
Read more about the GFG Foundation in Whyalla
