Patrick Goldsmith, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Rex Minerals and the state government will work to deliver a long-term plan assisting students from across Yorke Peninsula to enter the resource sector.

The resources pathway program will be hosted by Ardrossan Area School from next year, with students invited to attend a career awareness day in June to learn more.

School principal Margaret Roads said she was excited about what the program would mean for students across the peninsula.

“We are building relationships with key stakeholders which will see local students have a greater opportunity to work and live in this area for generations to come,” she said.

“Our resource sector industry immersion day will provide students with access to equipment used in the resource sector, information sessions on the project and upcoming career opportunities.” The program will incorporate vocational training, a customised curriculum and industry activities with Rex Minerals supporting students as part of the learning program through its copper-gold Hillside Mine project.

Rex Minerals chief operating officer Jason Schell said Rex’s discussions with the state government have resulted in a strong workforce focus for the Hillside project.

“The school’s resource sector industry immersion day will be available to all students in the region interested in learning more about the fantastic career opportunities at Rex and in the broader resource sector,” he said.

“When the Hillside project is operational, Rex will also provide training program graduates the opportunity to enter their workforce through schoolbased apprenticeships.” Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said the program would focus on offering locals the chance of a fulfilling career in the broader resource sector.

“Rex and Ardrossan Area School will continue to engage with other industry partners to support students and provide opportunities in the broader resource sector, developing fulfilling local career opportunities for those young people in the region,” he said.

The day will be held at AAAS on Friday, June 23.

Mining fleet letter of intent signed

Rex Minerals has signed a letter of intent for the establishment of its mining fleet with Hitachi Construction Machinery.

The letter encompasses the allocation of mining equipment to cost more than $100 million, including four excavator units ranging in size from 250 tonnes to 600 tonnes and twelve 300 tonne capacity haul trucks.

“This strategy of locking in the fleet via a letter of intent secures the ultra class fleet for Rex without any immediate financial commitment, and ensures we can push forward with and adhere to our project timeline,” Rex Minerals chief executive officer Richard Laufmann said.

“We are excited to be working with Hitachi after completing an exhaustive examination of our potential mining fleet options.

“As detailed in this announcement, the activity levels for all disciplines in relation to Hillside are increasing and the process remains focused on first production by 2025.”

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 30 May 2023.