"The Chemistry & Physics of Extractive Metallurgy" Course

This is the introductory course offered to school teachers and it seeks to give a one-day overview of how mineral processing adds economic value to the rich mineral resources with which Australia is blessed. The day begins with a 45-minute talk that gives an overview of the industry from geological prospecting to mining engineering. The bulk of the lecture describes the processes used to extract metals from ores. A general look at career prospects is given including lifestyle, salaries and basic educational credentials required for employment.

Generally the introductory course is limited to 15-18 teachers and three smaller groups are formed to rotate the participants through several hands-on laboratory experiences. These 90-100 minute sessions involve practical work in the three areas involved with processing:

• Mineral Processing: Teachers process ores using crushers and grinders to break it down to whatever size is needed for extraction. Participants employ processes such as magnetic and electrostatic separation and froth floatation during this session.
• Hydrometallurgy: Participants use solution chemistry to extract and purify metals. Bench top leaching and electrowinning are carried out. Atomic absorption is used to determine the constituent elements in a sample. One of the highlights of the day is having each teacher gold plate their own chemist’s spatula to take back to school with them.
• Pyrometallurgy: Heat and fire are used to reduce a tin ore to metallic tin and each teacher pours an ingot they can take back to their students. Viscosities of liquid metals are demonstrated and the very exothermic thermite reaction is demonstrated.
• The final wrap up session aims to pull together the day’s events and relate it to the school curriculum at various year levels.

All Intro PDs provide a catered luncheon and end with a wine and cheese social event. Thanks to the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy and other CRC partners, teachers receive a bag full of minerals-related materials they can take back to their classrooms. The costs are underwritten by CSRP and Murdoch University Extractive Metallurgy.

More Information

> contact Dr Dan Churach, Education Manager, on (08) 6436 8735 or email dan.churach@csrp.com.au

> view the Teacher PD Program past courses and photographs