Starting with a brief historical overview of mining, this comprehensive programme takes us out of the classroom, into the field, and down the mines. We visit Victoria's Stawell gold mine and meet experts from Rio Tinto, experiencing first-hand the processes and technology involved in modern mining operations. Following the mineral exploration flow chart, we discover how mining companies search for mineral deposits, explore the four most common types of modern mining operations, and explain of the froth flotation method of separating minerals from gangue. Finally, we examine the all-important process of land rehabilitation after the mine has closed.