Perspectives on Mining

Task Objectives:
By the end of this inquiry project students will
● recognise that rocks and minerals, such as ores, provide valuable resources and are non-
renewable
● investigate how the location and extraction of mineral resources relies on expertise from
across the disciplines of science (ACSHE226)
● construct representations of their research, use this to justify conclusions and apply
their own scientific knowledge to evaluate their findings and those of others
● communicate their ideas, methods and findings using scientific language and appropriate
representations in a range of text types.

The problem: In today’s society we are spoilt for choice of products and materials. We have new
gadgets, tools and ‘stuff’ made available all the time. But where do we source the materials for
this ‘stuff’? Every day we consume so many coffee cups, paper bags, throw out clothes, coffee
pods, new phones every 2 years - Where is this stuff coming from? What resources are we
digging up and mining to pay for this consumption?

The resources that we mine are limited and we need to come up with a way to reuse or repurpose
RATHER than mining for new resources. However, mining creates many jobs, sustains
communities and industries to ensure the continuation of our modern world.

Our waste is growing at double the rate of our population with a 52 mega tonnes generated a year.
Australia is ranked 5th highest for generating the most rubbish consisting of everyday items in the
world. The more we mine, the more products we create and the more waste we produce.

However, mining is an important part of the Australian economy. We are a mineral and precious
metal rich country. Mining is important to Australia because...
● Mining contributes about 8 per cent to Australia’s GDP and around 60 per cent of exports.
● Australia is the world’s largest exporter of iron ore, accounting for 53 per cent of world
trade in 2014.
● We are also the second largest exporter of coal, our leading energy export.
● Australia is also a major exporter of aluminium, copper, gold, uranium and zinc.
● Mining directly employs more than 200,000 people in Australia, with many more people
benefiting indirectly, and is particularly important to the economic and social wellbeing of
our regional and Indigenous communities.
 Perspectives on Mining

How will the development of autonomous mining impact on

Australia?

Your task is to investigate how the development of autonomous mining will affect Australia
both environmentally and economically.

Part 1:
Individually, you need to research autonomous mining
1. Find 3 credible resources which discuss autonomous mining
2. Write these in a bibliography
3. Based on what you have found, summarise what is meant by autonomous mining
4. Write your own opinion on how the mining industry will be changed by the growth of
autonomous mining
5. Submit your research summary and opinion as a pamphlet (A4 double-sided) to your
teacher.

Part 2:
1. In a group of 5, choose one of these roles:
● Environmentalist and/or local Aboriginal representative
● Mining CEO
● Miner with a young family (2 kids under the age of 10)
● Active metropolitan community member who recycles
● Local shop owner in a mining community

2. From the perspective of your assigned role consider whether autonomous mining will be
beneficial for the Australian community
a. You should base your perspective on credible sources
b. Wherever possible you should use statistics and numerical information to support
your perspective
c. Remember that in this case you do not have to be unbiased, you are using your
empathy skills to think like your assigned person would

3. As a group you need to present all of your perspectives in an authentic way

a. This could be a combination of:
● Opposing political campaigns
● Advertising campaigns
● Protests
● Letters to the Government
● Anything that you come up with – just run it by your teacher first ☺

4. You will present your perspectives to the class as a community meeting or debate that
includes the above elements. You should try to convince the class of your perspective, and
they will vote on whether mining will go ahead in your town.
Timeline:
Task Due Date Percentage
Part 1 – Research Pamphlet Week 8 – Thu Sep 10 40%
Part 2 – Group Debate Week 9 – Thu Sep 17 60%

RUBRIC COMING ASAP!