School Teacher Professional Development Program

"The Chemistry & Physics of Extractive Metallurgy" Course

This introductory course was offered to school teachers and it sought 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 was 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 involved 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 aimed to pull together the day’s events and relate it to the school curriculum at various year levels.

All introductory PDs provided a catered luncheon and ended with a wine and cheese social event. Thanks to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA and other CRC partners, teachers received a bag full of minerals-related materials they could take back to their classrooms. The costs were underwritten by CSRP and Murdoch University Extractive Metallurgy.