The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue School Mine Tours program has completed its busy 2024 schedule, with over 500 students from 18 schools in the Upper Hunter visiting eight mining operations this year. Since its inception in 2018, more than 3,800 students have undertaken a tour.

During the tours, students and teachers get to see the mining operation first-hand and chat with staff. Students get a good understanding of the mining process and the associated impacts and what mining operations do to minimise these impacts on communities. Mine staff enjoy the enthusiasm of the students and the opportunity to share some of the things they’ve learned on their education and career journeys.

The educational materials provided through the tours were designed in conjunction with local teachers and provide fact-based information which supports the learning outcomes for the students.

The tours are free and are offered to all Year 5 and Year 9 students from all the schools in the Upper Hunter region. Schools in the Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone catchments participated again this year.

The tours will continue in 2025, and the Dialogue extends its thanks to all the mining operations who have supported the school mine tour program this year.