Provincial Mine Rescue & First Aid Competition Smithers June 5 - 7

More than 400 people responsible for keeping miners in BC safe will gather in Smithers this week. The Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition takes place June 5 to 7 and brings together mine rescue and first aid teams from across British Columbia to test their emergency response and rescue abilities. Teams compete in either surface or underground competitions.  

A preliminary set of competitions takes place Thursday in the Smithers Works Yard to select surface teams to compete in the provincial competition on Saturday. Three underground teams and six surface teams will participate in Saturday’s contest at the Fall Fair Grounds from 8 am to 4 pm.  The public is invited to watch the competition.

The Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia requires all mines to have emergency response capabilities. This requirement has made the B.C. mining industry a worldwide model for the implementation of health and safety practices. The competition enables B.C. mines to maintain consistent standards of training and procedures so that they can provide mutual aid to one another in the event of an emergency. It’s hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Mining Association of BC. 

SEG annual golf tournament September 12

Final details are being put in place for SEG’s annual golf tournament and banquet in Smithers on Friday September 12 at the Smithers Golf and Country Club. Registration will be on Thursday evening September 11 at the Legion in Smithers. SEG is planning a field trip for Thursday as well, with information on the excursion available in late June.

Details on the golf tournament and field trip will be included in the July newsletter and on the website as soon as everything is in place. 

Congratulations to UTM

UTM Exploration Services was acknowledged with an honourable mention for the BC Mining Human Resources Diversity Award competition. The award recognizes organizations that have showcased an outstanding commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity within the workplace.

Teck Resources was the award winner but right up there on the stage with one of the industry’s biggest companies was UTM from Smithers, as well as another honourable mention to the Resource Training Organization. In presenting UTM CEO Anastasia Ledwon with the honourable mention certificate, award co-chair Jill Tsolinas said UTM Exploration Services creates a workplace culture that encourages and fosters diversity, indicative of strong leadership within the organization..

“Each of these leading companies started out with an idea to make a positive difference in our industry,” commented Ms.Tsolinas, “Over months and years of hard work, the winners have succeeded in implementing new best practices for our industry. We are inspired by these award winners.”  

Photo at top of newsletter from right to left: Anastasia Ledwon (UTM Exploration Services), Jill Tsolinas (co-chair BC Mining Human Resources Diversity Award); Michelle Skelly (Resource Training Organization)  (photo courtesy Jon Benjamin Photography)

NWCC School of Exploration & Mining job postings

Northwest Community College School of Exploration & Mining has several job postings that may be of interest to the SEG membership:

Team Leader

Through this position NWCC SEM recognizes the need to provide mentoring, tutoring and small group facilitation of students while training and developing new skills. The Team Leader will assist with setting up and delivering instructional activities; support camp management duties (building and repairing camp facilities; helping in the kitchen as needed, helping with the camp’s recycling program, etc.); supervise students and ensure a safe learning environment in the training camp setting;  provide mentorship and stewardship of camp rules and guidelines; drive students on field trips as needed; and provide first aid as needed.

http://www.nwcc.bc.ca/employment-opportunity/team-leader-auxiliary-school-exploration-mining-various-locations

Mineral Processing Operator Instructor

The Auxiliary Instructor position is required to instruct the Mineral Processing Operator course modules and may be required to work on a seasonal, on-call basis for camp-based or campus-based programs scheduled.  The Instructor will be responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating engaging learning activities to deliver the competencies in the Mineral Processing Operator curriculum with a focus on hands on, learner centered experiential learning and field-based training. 

http://www.nwcc.bc.ca/employment-opportunity/instructor-auxiliary-mineral-processing-operator-program-various-locations

Environmental Monitor Assistant Program Instructor

The Instructor position is required to instruct the Environmental Monitoring course modules and may be required to work on a seasonal, on-call basis for camp-based or campus-based programs.  The Instructor will be responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating engaging learning activities to deliver the competencies in the EMAP curriculum with a focus on hands on, learner centered experiential learning and field-based training. 

http://www.nwcc.bc.ca/employment-opportunity/instructor-auxiliary-environmental-monitor-assistant-program-various

SEG booth Bulkley Valley Fall Fair August 21 to 24

The SEG booth at the 2014 Bulkley Valley Fall Fair from August 21 to 24 is always an excellent opportunity for the general public to learn about the minerals industry. The annual display features our  "Guess the Gold" contest and the opportunity to talk with local industry people and geologists. Hundreds of people stop by the booth for the information on exploration projects and areas mines, as well SEG's annual directory. Drop by for a chat if you’re at the fair.