Perth Mint gold pour marks launch of minerals and energy kit for schools

26/7/95

The pouring of more than $200,000 worth of molten gold at the Perth Mint today was a spectacular demonstration for schoolchildren of the value of the minerals and energy industry to Western Australia.

The gold pour was part of a display to mark the launch of a new resource kit for schools about minerals and energy by Education Minister Norman Moore.

The 'Earthworks' kit, which is to be distributed to every school and public library in Western Australia, contains a video and printed materials detailing the State's major export earning sector.

Mr Moore said the kit covered such issues as mining and the environment, career opportunities and regional mineral and energy developments from the South-West to the far North.

A joint project of the Department of Minerals and Energy and the Chamber of Mines and Energy of WA, the kit has been designed as an information resource and will be updated regularly with newly-printed materials.

"'Earthworks' will be particularly useful for students undertaking projects, as well as providing a valuable educational tool for teachers," the Minister said.

"It will also benefit students who are focusing their studies towards a career.  The minerals and energy industry as a whole provides 36,000 jobs in as many as 200 different occupations.  It presents enormous opportunities for the young people of WA."

Mr Moore said the comprehensive kit was an excellent example of what could be achieved when the private and public sectors worked together towards a common goal.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444