First Nations.

Building inclusive relationships with First Nations communities

Northwest Community College's School of Exploration and Mining in Smithers, BC offers a unique program where students learn mining and exploration while living in camp with First Nations elders. The program has achieved a 70% graduate employment rate and focuses on building culturally inclusive relationships between the mining industry and Indigenous communities.

New life and a bright future at the Huckleberry Mine

Imperial Metals announced a seven-year life extension for its Huckleberry copper-molybdenum mine in British Columbia, extending operations from 2014 to 2021. The extension involves $119 million in new acquisitions and $82 million for dam construction, preserving 230 jobs and adding 70 new positions. The company is also exploring potential operations beyond 2021.

On track to deal with a looming labour shortage

British Columbia's mining industry, generating $6-8 billion annually, faces a looming labour shortage but has a dedicated task force implementing workforce measures. The province announced $1.1 million in funding to support training initiatives, with plans to add 10,000 direct mining jobs over the next decade as the industry continues its post-recession recovery.

Ten questions for Jerry Asp

Jerry Asp, founder of Canada's largest native-owned heavy construction company Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, received the 2011 Skookum Jim Award from PDAC for his 40+ years improving Aboriginal-mining industry relations. Under his leadership, the Tahltan Nation achieved zero summer unemployment and reduced winter unemployment to 5% by 2006, transforming from 98% winter unemployment in 1985.

Training miners for Canada’s North

The Mine Training Society is developing a pan-territorial workforce strategy to address an estimated need for 9,000 new miners across Canada's three northern territories by 2017. The organization uses community-based training programs that bridge cultural gaps and provide holistic support, achieving high success rates in preparing Aboriginal peoples and other northerners for skilled mining positions.

Aboriginals and mining companies unite

The Canadian Aboriginal Mineral Association (CAMA) is hosting its 19th annual conference in Vancouver from November 6-8, 2011, with the theme 'Meeting Minds, Making Mines.' The conference aims to improve relationships between mining companies and Aboriginal communities, with attendance expected to double to 1,000 people.

Creating a new blueprint

Manitoba's mining prospects are gaining attention from investors and exploration companies. The Snow Lake Mine has been recently reactivated, highlighting renewed interest in the province's mineral potential.