Understanding the Earth and its natural resources is an important first step for young people to recognise the potential of natural resources and the importance of responsible management. Through the Martabe Goes to School programme, Agincourt Resources introduced earth sciences and mineral exploration to 95 students from Madrasah Aliyah (MA) Swasta Yayasan Pendidikan Karya Setia (YPKS) Padangsidimpuan on 10 October 2026. The activity was also attended by 14 teachers and the school principal, as well as representatives from Agincourt Resources.
During the programme, Aya Asaga, Senior Geologist Exploration at Agincourt Resources, introduced the company as the operator of the Martabe Gold Mine. She then explained the fundamentals of geology and mineral exploration, providing students with an overview of how natural resource potential is identified.
Geology is the science that studies the Earth, including its constituent materials, structure and formation processes. Mineral exploration, meanwhile, involves investigations to determine the presence, characteristics and potential of mineral resources in a particular area. Understanding these two fields helps students become familiar with the early stages of mining activities, from studying the Earth’s conditions to identifying potential mineral deposits.
To reinforce the students’ understanding, Aya invited them to take part in a quiz based on the material presented. The interactive session encouraged students to test their knowledge of earth sciences and the mining industry. Their enthusiasm was also evident in the questions they raised, ranging from different types of rocks to land reclamation after mining activities have been completed. Students shared that the programme was beneficial, providing them with new knowledge and broadening their understanding of the mining industry.
In addition to introducing earth sciences, the programme also provided an opportunity to encourage students to pursue their education with enthusiasm. Yayan Nuryawan, Superintendent Community Service at Agincourt Resources, encouraged the students to study diligently and make the most of scholarship opportunities as one way to build a better future.
Yayan also praised the cleanliness of the school environment and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from MA YPKS Padangsidimpuan. He emphasised that natural resources, including gold, must be managed responsibly to deliver optimal benefits. He also highlighted that aspirations should be accompanied by prayer, effort and trust in God. Education is an important means of self-development and can open up opportunities for a better future.
Niko Srirahayu, Principal of MA Swasta YPKS Padangsidimpuan, expressed gratitude for Agincourt Resources’ visit and educational programme. He welcomed the initiative, as it gave students the opportunity to learn about geology and mining directly from industry practitioners.
Through Martabe Goes to School, Agincourt Resources hopes to broaden young people’s understanding of earth sciences and the mining industry while encouraging them to pursue their aspirations through education. Introducing earth sciences at school is expected to equip students with a better understanding of the natural resources around them and help prepare them to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the future.
