Resources sector locks in commitment to DigiTech

An industry-developed STEM program in WA has received an $815,000 funding commitment from some of the state’s leading resources companies.

BHP (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), Woodside Energy, Chevron and CITIC Pacific Mining have collectively pledged the money to ensure the continued growth of the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) school-based Digital Technologies Program (DigiTech).

First launched in 2020 at a handful of Pilbara schools, the DigiTech program now reaches more than 6000 students from pre-primary to Year 10 across 165 schools that span the length and breadth of WA. Many of those schools are among the most remote in WA, with DigiTech only expanding into metropolitan Perth in 2025.

The renewed commitment will deliver classroom-ready digital technologies equipment for an additional 160 schools, including all Pilbara schools, and increase availability of vital coaching and mentoring services for teachers in regional and remote areas.

With increased teacher rotation across regional and remote schools, the funding will directly support students to receive quality teaching and improve their digital literacy.

WA CME chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson says DigiTech aimed to connect learning and skill development with real-world careers.

“Through the generous and sustained support of our members, [WA] CME is working to ensure young people feel confident to use digital technologies in future career pathways,” she said.

“Innovation continually improves the way our industry explores, operates and processes, both here in WA and globally.

“We want to ensure WA students, regardless of background or location, can participate in what is an exciting future for science and technology.”

By December 2027, CME members will have invested nearly $3.3m in DigiTech, with the funding used to provide digital technologies equipment to 250 schools, make the program available to more than 1000 primary and secondary schools and provide dedicated coaching and mentoring services for more than 300 WA teachers.

WA CME President and Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott comments on the program.

“The mining industry has amazing job opportunities for all Australians,” he said.

“From the Great Southern to the Pilbara, [WA] CME’s DigiTech program is equipping students with the essential skills needed for the future — not just for mining and energy jobs, but roles across all industries.

“Rio Tinto looks forward to continuing to support the innovators and problem-solvers of the next generation of workers through this program.”

BHP WA community manager Rachel Donkin says the DigiTech school-based program is aligned with the company’s broader community contribution focus of strengthening outcomes in the Pilbara — both in education and beyond.

“We work with a range of organisations and programs to help ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and pathways they need to thrive,” she said.

“In an evolving digital world, confidence with these technologies can unlock opportunities for employment, training and further education.”

Woodside social performance head Jo Ferrie says the company appreciates the opportunity to support students to access the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, regardless of where they live.

“Through the Digital Technologies Program, we’re investing in both the education of young minds and the development of skills needed in our industry now and in the future, like robotics and data science, inspiring students to engage with the future of science and technology,” she said.

CITIC Pacific Mining corporate affairs head Rob Newton says the company is proud to support this collaboration, helping to strengthen the digital skills of teachers and students across WA and safeguard the state’s socio-economic future.

Baler Primary School digital technologies teacher Bradley Western says engaging in the CME program presents a valuable opportunity for the school to foster digital literacy and contextual learning among students and staff.

“Living in the Pilbara, where mining is a central part of the community and economy, it allows us to connect abstract coding concepts to real-world applications,” he said.

“DigiTech not only enhances student engagement but also helps them envision future career pathways in STEM fields that are directly tied to their environment.”

Tambrey Primary School principal Shiona Hobart says this initiative brings real-world, digital learning right into classrooms — something that’s not just exciting, but essential.

“At Tambrey, we know our role goes far beyond teaching the basics; we’re helping to prepare our kids for a future where confidence with technology will open doors to countless opportunities,” she said.

“What’s really special is watching their skills grow — not just for use at school, but in ways that will serve them well in high school, the workforce and life beyond.

“I’m especially looking forward to August, when Estella and Faruk will travel to Perth to showcase their work at the Resources Technology Showcase.”