This interactive bi-lingual e-book, narrated by Gadj Maymuru, tells the story of mining through text and audio in both English and Yolngu Matha which is one of the Indigenous languages in the Northern Territory.

Developed by Indigenous company ‘Sharing Culture’ the book takes the reader through the exploration, mining, processing and use of minerals and highlights the types of careers that are available in the industry for both Indigenous and non-indigenous people.

Using this model, users are able to develop and customise their own e-book through ‘Sharing Culture’ and incorporate their local indigenous language and dialect.

From ‘Sharing Culture’ further QRC resources can be accessed including the bi-lingual dictionary, facts, several e-books, puzzles and images.

QRC wishes to acknowledge Minerals and Metals Group and Xstrata Copper for their support in the development of this product.

Educational value statement

• Shows the stages involved in development of a mine and extracting minerals
• Explains the relationship between minerals, ores and metals
• Emphasises involvement of indigenous people in all aspects of mining
• Allows all students to experience an example of indigenous language.

Key learning objectives

• Students appreciate the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australia
• Students describe how minerals are found, extracted, processed and refined.
• Students identify the changes caused to the Earth’s surface by mining.
• Students explain how technological developments contribute to mining.

Strands

• Science Understanding: Earth and space sciences
• Science as a Human Endeavour: Use and influence of science.

Australian Curriculum content statements (explicit)
Science: ACSSU032; ACSSU075; ACSSU153; ACSHE083; ACSHE100; ACSHE121; ACSHE224; ACSHE136

Australian Curriculum content statements (implicit or able to be connected)
Science: ACSSU018; ACSSU046; ACSSU074; ACSSU095; ACSSU116; ACSHE082; ACSHE226