Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Helps Kids Learn about Mining

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold knows how important it is to educate the next generation on the importance of mining. 

When Freeport approached Caterpillar about supporting an innovative new approach to education, Caterpillar Global Mining knew it was a great opportunity. Empire Machinery and the Tinaja Hills Demonstration Area also helped.  "It's critical to stay in step with the latest learning methods to get the story of mining across to students," said John Disharoon, Caterpillar Global Mining Manager of Industry Relations. "It's exciting to support mining customers doing innovative programs like MineZone".

MineZone is a 6-week program of interactive sessions supported by hands-on activities. Students throughout Arizona learned about geology, mining methods, equipment, safety and environmental stewardship. 

Over 300 students got the MineZone experience. Once a week, they gathered in a classroom where they were able to ask an expert questions - watching a live broadcast on TV and using the chat function on their computers. After the 15-minute live Question & Answer session, students did a hands on activity that often involved a snack like cake ore samples or cookie mining. 

Jeff Fitch, manager of the Caterpillar Tinaja Hills Sales Demo area starred in the session on mining equipment. Bob Horne and Steve Brady from Empire Machinery covered Mine Safety. Kids asked, "Do you get to take gold home?"  "Can I drive a big truck?" "Have you ever found a snake?" 

The mining message went beyond the classroom. The program ended with a family day at the Arizona Science Center - extending this education to student's families. Empire Machinery provided a wheel loader and Caterpillar Global Mining donated special flashlights. Students were able to show their families what they learned.

Caterpillar Global Mining Industry Relations is committed to supporting customers as they teach the next generation about mining.