The transition towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced society relies not only on the development of innovative tools, but also on the training of future generations. Understanding where raw materials come from, how they are transformed into everyday objects, and what safety considerations govern their use is essential for building a more responsible and informed society. In this context, educational innovation becomes a key driver to bridge the gap between natural resources and the technologies they enable.
With this objective in mind, the GASTAMINE project is not only dedicated to researching technological solutions for underground mining, but also to bridging the gap between the complex reality of mineral extraction and society. To achieve this, the project has successfully developed two innovative educational resource briefcases designed to be used in educational centres and outreach activities.
The Drone Briefcase: learning through technology and minerals
One of the briefcases focuses on the application of drone technology in mining—a solution that improves speed, and precision in operations. This educational briefcase allows students to literally unpack the technology. It comprises a functional drone and its various components, such as batteries, blades, and lights.
The core educational value lies in linking these technological parts to their mineral origins. For instance, the briefcase includes samples of Bauxite to represent the source of the Aluminum used in screws or the drone’s chassis, allowing learners to establish a direct connection between the raw material extracted from the earth and the high-tech component. This helps students understand the crucial role of mining in the value chain of modern technology.
The ATEX briefcase: connecting everyday materials with safety and reactivity.
The second briefcase addresses the vital issue of safety and the concept of ATEX within mining environments. The challenge is to explain the potential for reactivity in a relatable way.
This briefcase uses familiar, everyday objects whose mineral components are also associated with reactive or high-energy elements, specifically drawing a fascinating parallel with pyrotechnics. For example, the briefcase may feature a mineral like Celestine, whose Strontium (Sr) component is used to create the vivid red color in fireworks, or a sample of Talc that provides the characteristic brightness. This association helps students grasp the concepts of chemical reactivity and flammability that are central to maintaining a safe (ATEX-compliant) atmosphere in a mine, transforming complex safety regulations into an engaging, visual lesson.
The development of these educational briefcases is a clear example of how GASTAMINE is committed not only to optimizing extractive processes through innovation but also to ensuring that the next generation understands the fundamental link between raw materials, high technology, and critical safety standards. By making these complex topics tangible and interactive, the project guarantees that resource extraction, sustainability, and educational outreach proceed hand in hand.
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For more information about The Briefcase Initiative please visit: https://briefcase.eitrawmaterials.eu/
GASTAMINE is a project supported by EIT RawMaterials and co-funded by the European Union.
