Batchfire offers students Heavy Hydraulics insight

Biloela high school students designed and built a model-scale hydraulic arm as part of a recent Heavy Hydraulics event, hosted by Batchfire Resources and the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA). 

The event aimed to deliver an unforgettable learning experience to 25 Year 8 and 9 students from Biloela State High School and Redeemer Lutheran College, providing insight into the rewarding career options available in the resources industry. 

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones explains the young innovators worked in teams under the mentorship of Batchfire Callide representatives to design and build a mechanical arm powered by hydraulic fluid.  

“Students put their engineering prowess to the test as they embarked on a journey into the life of a designer and engineer, working on a prototype solution that solves a common industry challenge like moving tonnes of overburden from one place to another,” Ms Jones said.  

“This workshop is all about showcasing how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) principles are applied when designing workable solutions to complex problems. 

“Students designed and modelled, using 3D-modelling software, their own prototype that could pick up and move objects without manual intervention, and then used a variety of materials like paddle pop sticks, tape and rubber bands to construct a replica of their design.”  

Batchfire Resources CEO, Mr Allan Fidock said STEM professionals played a critical role in the resources and energy sector, and this workshop helped foster a passion for creative thinking to real-world scenarios.  

“Using plastic tubing and syringes, students witnessed how non-compressible fluids are used in hydraulic machinery to make difficult tasks safer and more efficient,” Mr Fidock said.  

“It was a great opportunity for these budding STEM professionals to explore the many STEM-based professions needed in the industry, and we hope it inspires them to pursue an exciting career at Batchfire Resources.”  

The QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources and Batchfire is immensely proud to offer support wherever possible.  

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