Mining Day

Mining Day represents a unique collaboration between the Kamloops Exploration Group and the Canadian Institute of Mining's South Central branch to bring mining education directly to families and the broader community. The event takes place at the Big Little Science Centre, a venue specifically founded to provide children with hands-on science learning opportunities, making it an ideal location for this type of industry outreach.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive educational experience featuring informational displays from multiple local presenters, including representatives from Highland Valley Copper, one of Canada's largest open-pit copper mines, the Thompson Nicola Paleontological Society, the Kamloops Museum and Archives, and Atlas Drilling. These diverse participants provide perspectives spanning active mining operations, geological history, and drilling technologies, offering attendees a well-rounded view of the mining sector.

A highlight of the event is the heavy equipment simulator provided by Thompson Rivers University's School of Trades and Technology, giving visitors the rare opportunity to experience what it's like to operate mining equipment in a safe, controlled environment. This hands-on component is particularly valuable for inspiring potential future careers in mining while demonstrating the technological sophistication of modern mining operations.

The event serves multiple strategic purposes for the mining industry in the Kamloops region. It addresses public education needs by making complex geological and mining concepts accessible to families, potentially improving community understanding of the industry's role and importance. Additionally, by engaging children and young people directly, Mining Day contributes to long-term workforce development efforts, introducing potential future employees to mining careers at an early age. The Kamloops region's significant mining activity, including major copper and nickel operations, makes this type of community engagement particularly valuable for maintaining strong industry-community relationships.