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u Project Heavy Duty P. 6 u Madison Scott Poker Run P. 11, 15
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WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2014
VOL. 37 NO. 13 $1.30 inc. GST
Minerals North Conference 2014
Vanderhoof, British Columbia – The Minerals North Conference held from May 21-23rd was an overwhelming success. More than 450 delegates and exhibitors made the trip to Vanderhoof for the conference, which was one the largest events ever held in Vanderhoof. The Tradeshow was fully booked, filling the Vanderhoof arena inside and out with interesting booths and exhibits. New Gold’s Heavy Equipment Simulator was a
big hit, and one of the most visited exhibits. Key note speakers Jim Bottomley and Chief Clarence Louie were informative and entertaining speakers that were well received and enjoyed by all. The education portion of Minerals North went off without a hitch, and was well received by over 180 students from grades one through ten. The students had hands on experience with rocks and minerals
during the Minerals Education Program. Brandt Tractor’s excavator (M4 provided an operator), Speed Way Tire’s tire station, Vanderhoof Search and Rescue’s GPS, and New Gold’s Heavy Equipment simulator. Students also benefited from learning about careers in the mining industry. The Minerals North 2014 Organizing Committee would like to thank all the delegates, exhibitors, and residents of Vanderhoof who made this event such a huge
success. According to the Minerals North 2014 Organizing Committee Chair Brian Frenkel, “it takes a community to pull off a conference of this scale, and on behalf of the Committee I’d like to thank all of the sponsors, trade show exhibitors, delegates, speakers, volunteers, and most of all the community of Vanderhoof.” Minerals North Conference 2015 will be held in Mackenzie and it will be an outstanding success.
New Gold brings Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator to Minerals North
By Todd Hamilton Nearly 60 Vanderhoof Grade Six students had a chance to get their hands on the big stuff at the Minerals North conference on Thursday. New Gold, the gold sponsor of the 2014 Minerals North conference, brought their Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator to Vanderhoof for students to try out — the same simulator used to train actual mine workers. “We know it’s important to introduce elementary and high school students to mining as a potential career,” New Gold president, chief executive officer and director, Robert Gallagher, said. “The simulator provides youth with a hands-on mining experience and exposes them to career opportunities close to home.” The students had a chance to experience New Gold’s Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator and test drive bulldozers, rock graders, rock trucks, loaders, backhoes and excavators, as part of the conference’s mining education program.
Staky-ya Suecroft, 11, from W.L. McLeod Elementary School concentrates while using the excavator simulator as part of the New Gold mining education project on Thursday at the 2014 Minerals North Conference.
Photo by Todd Hamilton
Maddy Poker ride It was the 3rd Maddy Poker ride on Saturday May 24, the poker ride enables the family of Madison Scott to maintain a presence and sustain awareness within the community regarding Maddy’s disappearance. The event is a gathering of friends, family and community members walking, quading or being on horseback for the poker ride. There were 187 quads, 37 walkers and 65 horses at the event. Photo by Anna Pye
“We’re focused on making sure local communities have access to local training and education opportunities,” said Gallagher. “Bringing the Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator to Minerals North gives everyone a chance to try out the equipment and learn a little more about mining as a career choice.” The simulator provides new learners with a hands-on experience and helps existing operators hone their skills. It can take many years for heavy equipment operators to develop a high level of proficiency and simulators significantly reduce learning time and help address B.C.’s shortage of skilled labour. With an expected Blackwater Project workforce of 500 operations employees and 1,200 to 1,500 construction workers, Gallagher said New Gold is committed to hiring and contracting locally whenever possible. “We’re focused on making sure local communities have access to local training and education opportunities,” said Mr. Gallagher. “Bringing the Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator to Minerals North gives everyone a chance to try out the equipment and learn a little more about mining as a career choice.”