Rio Tinto | Minerals and Metals for the world

Rio Tinto's involvement in the Mining Hall of Fame, through the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund, is a three year commitment that focuses on resources for students and teachers interested in finding out about Australia's mining industry. The commitment includes support for a full time education officer, a position that previously did not exist.

Currently the role is filled by two people on a job share basis: Leanne Gunther, a former geologist with a graduate diploma in teaching, and Morgan Foster, who was previously a guide in the main hall, and this year began studying for a graduate diploma in Education.

The two of them meet school parties and field their questions. Youngsters from kindergarten and playgroup have also attended, as have vacation care youngsters.

The education officer takes them around the whole complex, to give them an honest perspective of what the mining industry offers, and create awareness. This starts with a trip underground where the youngsters experience what was originally involved in mining for gold. Former miners now operate as guides.

Returning to the surface youngsters have the opportunity to pan for gold, enjoying the prospect of "get rich quick", alongside the restored heritage precinct buildings, one including a simulated gold pour. Moving in to the main hall and its galleries, they learn about all aspects of mining, the future and technology, drilling and the environment, providing hands on displays for the children.

Leanne comments: "Young people are well informed, and love the underground section, then entering the main hall and seeing the statue of Paddy Hannan who discovered gold in Kalgoorlie in 1893."



Rio Tinto's involvement in the Mining Hall of Fame, through the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund, is a three year commitment that focuses on resources for students and teachers interested in finding out about Australia's mining industry. The commitment includes support for a full time education officer, a position that previously did not exist. Currently the role is filled by two people on a job share basis: Leanne Gunther, a former geologist with a graduate diploma in teaching, and Morgan Foster, who was previously a guide in the main hall, and this year began studying for a graduate diploma in Education. The two of them meet school parties and field their questions. Youngsters from kindergarten and playgroup have also attended, as have vacation care youngsters. The education officer takes them around the whole complex, to give them an honest perspective of what the mining industry offers, and create awareness. This starts with a trip underground where the youngsters experience what was originally involved in mining for gold. Former miners now operate as guides. Returning to the surface youngsters have the opportunity to pan for gold, enjoying the prospect of "get rich quick", alongside the restored heritage precinct buildings, one including a simulated gold pour. Moving in to the main hall and its galleries, they learn about all aspects of mining, the future and technology, drilling and the environment, providing hands on displays for the children. Leanne comments: "Young people are well informed, and love the underground section, then entering the main hall and seeing the statue of Paddy Hannan who discovered gold in Kalgoorlie in 1893."
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Review is published by Rio Tinto, 6 St James' Square, London SW1Y 4LD, England Telephone +44 (0)20 7930 2399 Editor: Cherry DeGeer