The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue’s School Mine Tours program has completed its busy 2023 schedule, with 569 students from 18 schools in the Upper Hunter visiting 9 mining operations this year. Since its inception in 2018, more than 3,300 students have undertaken a tour.

The tours provide an opportunity for students and teachers to talk to mine staff and see the mining operation first-hand. Students get a good understanding of the mining process and the associated impacts, and what mining operations do to minimise these impacts on near neighbours and 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. In the process, students gain insights into the contribution of mining to our everyday life and the wide range of trades and professions across the industry.

The educational materials provided through the program were developed in conjunction with local teachers and provide fact-based information and support 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 from the Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone catchments participated again in the 2023 program.

The Dialogue completed 21 tours this year and thank all the mining operations who supported the program.