Resources Technology Showcase 2021: Hands-on exhibitions offer window into the future of WA mining, oil & gas

Ben HarveyThe West Australian
Camera IconStudents such as Leeming 10-year-old Sienna Woods will be able to immerse themselves in a futuristic vision of tomorrow.

Jaw-dropping augmented reality, astonishing robotics, world-leading drone engineering and remote operations centres that NASA envies — it’s all coming to Perth and it’s all completely free.

The Resources Technology Showcase 2021 will bring to life the extraordinary tech that underpins Australia’s mining and energy sectors and is creating the jobs of tomorrow.

For two days in June, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will be transformed into a hands-on technology wonderland as the world’s biggest resources companies showcase their latest innovations.

The public and students such as Leeming 10-year-old Sienna Woods, pictured above, will be able to strap on augmented-reality goggles and immerse themselves in a futuristic vision of tomorrow.

Supported by the WA Government, this year’s Resources Technology Showcase will be even bigger than the inaugural event in 2019 in which thousands flocked to PCEC to peer into the workplaces of the future.

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Camera IconStudents go virtual at the INPEX pavilion during the inaugural Resources Technology Showcase in 2019. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian
Camera IconThe Shell Australia pavilion was a huge hit with kids at RTS2019. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

“Western Australia’s resources sector is world leading,” Premier Mark McGowan said. “My State Government is proud to support the Resources Technology Showcase, demonstrating our State’s technological capability, and making it accessible to Western Australians of all ages.”

RTS 2021 is open on June 21 and 22 from 9am-4.30pm. A schools excursion program will ensure students are able to see STEM subjects brought to life by an interactive showcase which will highlight how innovation and technology play a critical role in driving Australia’s most important industries.

Camera IconThe Chevron pavilion at the first Resources Technology Showcase in 2019 offered a glimpse into the future of the oil and gas sector. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian
Camera IconYear 4 students from South Coogee fly drones at the INPEX pavilion at the Resources Technology Showcase two years ago. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

Education resources will support teachers to explore STEM in the WA resources sector with their class, as well as their excursion to PCEC to see the showcase.

“To ensure our prosperity continues into the future, I want every young West Australian to be able to access the education and skills they need to be a part of our increasingly high-tech resources sector,” Mr McGowan said.

RESOURCES WONDERLAND: Look back at all the incredible displays from RTS2019

“The West Australian mining and resources workforce is one of the most capable and hardworking in the world. Our workers kept working and the height of COVID and ensured we kept operating in the most difficult of circumstances.

“My Government is committed to making the most of our natural resources, from value-adding, to additional local content, through to local manufacturing and much more local training. To continue to be successful we need to be adept in the very latest in resources technology.”

Camera IconSalvado Catholic College students learn how robotics is playing a even bigger part of WA’s resources sector at RTS 2019. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

RTS2021 is hosted by Seven West Media, publisher of The West Australian, and supported by Business Events Perth.

Event partners include INPEX, Telstra, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, Gold Industry Group, Roy Hill, BHP, WesTrac, Caterpillar, Chevron Australia, UWA, Shell, Woodside and Fugro. Visit rtsperth.com.au

Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan with some of the mining, oil and gas sector’s biggest names who are backing this year’s showcase.

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