Mineral Exploration

16 F A L L 2 0 1 5 Photograph : Nor thwe st Communit y College S chool of E xploration & Mining and on-site support, and the Village government sponsored incidentals for local students. The timeline was tight, and the funding was delayed, but on February 3, 2015, eight keen stu- dents from the Nisga'a Nation started the six-week, 330-hour training program. In less than a year, five different groups had worked together to request, develop and deliver the remote, community-based, industry-ready training. The majority of the program was delivered in the Nisga'a village of Gitwinksihlkw. Alloycorp hosted a two-day field trip to the Avanti Kitsault Mine, funding meals and accommoda- tions. Students were given access to the mine and surrounding sites, and allowed to participate in active fieldwork with engi- neering firm Knight Piésold. Students met and were mentored by members of the Nisga'a Nation who were already employed at the mine, giving them valuable exposure to potential career opportunities and providing cultural context. "Students graduate with a network of industry contacts to help [in] their transition to employment [and to] act as mentors, and they also gain a realistic window into potential career opportunities," says Smyth. Why should the fact that eight students attended the EMAP training resonate with the mineral exploration and mining industry? Innovation and collaboration are key to the future of mineral exploration and mining, and this program in the Nass Valley is an example of both in action. Industry-ready training is important, but so are sitting down at the same table, discuss- ing ideas, understanding what is important to each other, and sharing the toil and benefits of what is developed. The benefits have been even more widespread than expected. These eight students were the first from SEM to participate in a NWCC convocation, and on June 1, 2015, they graduated in a ceremony with students from WWNI, NWCC and the University of Northern British Columbia. It's not often that an educational institute is able to create and deliver training within a timeline that is useful to industry, but NWCC SEM has repeatedly proven its strength in this area. It's currently delivering the Mining Exploration & Natural Resources Field Assistant program in Kugaaruk, Nunavut, in partnership with the Inuit Association and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. "The model [was] created with previous contract training, and now the Nisga'a partnership showed us what is possible. Based on that success and the lessons learned, we can adapt that innovative model to various locations and industries," says Smyth. "We are pushing boundaries, adapting to remote loca- tions and overcoming the challenges [of] community-based deliveries." Smyth admits that it's a more challenging way of training but says it's poised to provide long-term benefits to everyone involved in educational collaboration. ■ Now in session MINERAL EXPLORATION-RELATED PROGRAMS AND COURSES IN B.C. Check the APEGBC website for university courses eligible toward the Geoscientist-in-Training or Professional Geoscientist programs at apeg.bc.ca. BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program • Hands-on science and engineering skills • Full-time diploma (two years) and a variety of part-time and online courses • Students complete an industry-standard report • Focuses on geology, mining methods, exploration technology, surveying and computer applications for mining operations and mineral exploration • bcit.ca/study/programs/6640dipma Bachelor of Engineering in Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering • New in fall 2015 • Focuses on advanced mineral exploration and resource estimation, mine design and operation, and environmental practice and sustainability • Targeted toward employment in both mineral exploration and mining • Eligible for Professional Engineer and Qualified Person designations • bcit.ca/study/programs/8610beng Centre for Mine Economics and Business • Aimed at technical and business professionals, corporate executives, and government and community leaders • Bridges the gap between the technical and business aspects of the mining industry • Multiple industry-specific courses offered; courses can be taken individually • bcit.ca/construction/cmeb CAMOSUN COLLEGE Mining Engineering Bridge program • Open to students holding a nationally accredited mining engineering technology diploma • Six-month program • Allows subsequent entry into the University of British Columbia's Bachelor of Applied Science program • camosun.ca/learn/programs/engineering- bridge/what-youll-learn/mining.html Geoscience transfer courses, Department of Chemistry and Geoscience • University transfer courses (first and second year) • camosun.ca/learn/calendar/current/web/ geos.html COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA Mining Industry Certificate • Industry-standard training for entry-level employ- ment in surface mineral exploration and mining • Full-time, 16 weeks • Campuses in Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie and Prince George • cnc.bc.ca/cnc_programs/mining_industry_ certificate.htm Learning skills that apply to a variety of industries in B.C.

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