SD83 Students Dig into Careers in Mining

Fourteen students from SAS Jackson and Sullivan toured one of B.C’s largest mines last week.

The Grade 9-11 students checked out Highland Valley Copper’s operation west of Logan Lake to learn about the various jobs that exist at the regional employer. Nearly 1,500 people work at the site. Many of the workers live in communities like Merritt, Ashcroft, Kamloops and Logan Lake.

Students were able to see one of Canada’s largest and deepest open pit mines and witnessed anywhere from 35-50 haul trucks loaded with ore pull out of the pit each hour. Students also learned about the various jobs that exist at the site which include red seal trades like heavy equipment operators, heavy duty mechanics, welders, machinist, millwrights, parts specialist and tire technicians.

The trip was the second of four events in SD83’s collaboration with MineralsEd to explore careers in the mineral exploration industry. The next event is taking place on Tuesday, June 6th when SD83 and MineralsEd head to an area near Merritt where we will take in the Westhaven Gold exploration site. There is also another trip planned for Thompson Rivers University to highlight trade and academic educational pursuits to get access to the industry. If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please talk with the career coordinator at your site to get a permission form. If you wish further details, please reach out to George Richard at grichard@sd83.bc.ca or phone or text 778-824-1188.