CHS students release a music video dedicated to miners

Students at Cobar High School have composed and recorded an original song to remember the miners who have lost their lives in the Cobar mines.

The Miners Memorial Song music video has recently been released on the school’s Facebook page with the school’s music teacher, Laura Andrew, as proud as punch of the students’ work.

“The project commenced in 2021, when locals Barry Knight and Kay Stingemore approached Cobar High School to write and perform a song for the opening of the Cobar Miners Memorial,” Ms Andrew said.

Cobar has a rich mining history and at its core is a strong community spirit.

“Although the safety around the mines has changed dramatically over the years, many lives have been lost due to mining accidents and black lung disease (colloquially known as ‘miners’ complaint’) since copper was first discovered in Cobar in 1870,” Ms Andrew said.

As the Curator of the Cobar Museum, Mrs Stingemore, played a pivotal role in the song writing workshops, sharing stories of Cobar miners and the mines.

Endeavor Mine to be sold

Polymetals Resources Ltd announced yesterday that it had entered into an agreement with Orana Minerals to purchase the Endeavor Mine, 40km north west of Cobar.

Polymetals advises the completion of the sale remains subject to the satisfaction of several conditions, including their shareholder approval and relevant independent reports.

Endeavor was first discovered in 1974 with mining and processing operations commencing in 1982.

A total of 32.2 million tonnes of ore was processed before the mine went into care and maintenance mode in December 2019.

Polymetals’ purchase includes: five mining leases, three exploration licences and a Western Lands pastoral lease; the fully equipped and operationally ready underground mine; a mineral processing plant; surface infrastructure including offices, workshops, labs, store, parts and spares; light vehicles, heavy machinery and mobile equipment; 42 houses, four blocks of units and six blocks of vacant land in Cobar; and statutory operational approvals which also includes increased tailings storage capacity.

As part of the acquisition arrangements, Polymetals will replace Environmental Rehabilitation Bonds of $27.65 million before April next year.

Polymetals Executive Chairman, Dave Sproule said the acquisition of the Endeavor Project advances the company’s business model and strategic objectives.

“The acquisition of the Endeavor Project is a major milestone in the growth of Polymetals, aligning the company to its ambitions to build on near mine and regional exploration success at Endeavor to potentially become a base and precious metals producer in Australia.

“We are confident that Polymetals can apply good science and its deep operational experience to capitalise on the numerous opportunities that have been identified across the regional landholding and mining assets being acquired,” Mr Sproule said.

“From there, students brainstormed lyrics, decided on a chord progression and composed a melody for their song,” Ms Andrew said.

“The song references the hard work of the miners who brought prosperity and wealth to the town.

“It both commemorates and celebrates the lives of the lost miners,” she said.

“Through the creative process, students recognised the community spirit that continues today and felt a sense of pride in their local

“Where you grow up is entangled with your identity,” Ms Andrew said.

“Through the song-writing process, students are learning about the history of their town and making connections to their lived experience.

“Students’ performance at the memorial opening was highly praised by local community members, recognising the talent at Cobar High School.

“The song was recorded in 2022, after delays due to Covid restrictions, and the students are