GAINING a valuable insight into a potential mining career and finding out what the WA School of Mines (WASM) has on offer has been the focus for a group of visiting year 12 students in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this week.

The 21 students from around WA (including two from the Goldfields) were especially selected for the four-day annual “Focus on Mining” event, hosted by WASM.

Activities and presentations provide students with a clearer understanding of the mining industry and to experience some of what the WA School of Mines can offer for future studies.

WA School of Mines marketing coordinator Cari Furman said each participant is currently studying TEE Science and Maths and was selected for their potential to be future leaders in the mining industry.

“While in Kalgoorlie-Boulder they have had the opportunity to meet with mining industry professionals and visit a range of sites around the Goldfields,” Ms Furman said.

“Due to a furnace rebuild, we had to cancel a visit to the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter.

“Instead, BHP Billiton hosted a hosting a dinner at the Mining Hall of Fame on Tuesday night at which some of their staff met with the students and talked about the company and its operations.”

Ms Furman said the Goldfields mining industry has been supporting Focus on Mining for many years and this has led to a long-standing tradition of very successful camps. “Several local mine managers attended Focus on Mining when they were at school and they recognise the importance of supporting and encouraging enthusiastic, high achieving students to consider entering the industry,” she said.