Mining workshop offered here again | Fort Frances Times Online

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By Heather Latter, Staff writer
FORT FRANCES—After the success of last year’s “Mining Matters” workshop here, Rainy River Resources once again is sponsoring the free seminar next month for youths and adults interested in learning more about geology.
“It’s a really important initiative,” said Kyle Stanfield, the company’s vice-president of environment and sustainability, noting plans for developing a gold mine in Blackhawk, north of Barwick, are moving “full-steam ahead.”


“We want locals to learn about rocks, minerals, metals, and mining in a hands-on environment, and understand a little more about the industry,” Stanfield explained, adding a lot of people don’t really know much about mining.
“They sort of have an image of mining that is probably a little out of date,” he remarked.
Stanfield said mining has come a long way from the “pick and shovel” technique—and in a short period of time.
“There’s a lot more technology involved, so we wanted to find a good way to help people get some more intensive understanding of what mining is all about,” he reasoned.
The program, slated for Aug. 8-10 at the Confederation College campus in Fort Frances, will be open to both adults (aged 16 and older) and youths aged nine-15.
The first day will be an adult workshop while the second one will focus on the youth. Then the third day will see a combined visit to the company’s exploration site.
“We had a lot of great feedback from participants last year,” said Stanfield, noting they learned that mining is more than just making gold bars—for example, that gypsum, a common mineral, is used to make drywall.
“They learn why minerals are important for our society, and how they are used for everything from home-building to vehicles.”
In the classroom sessions, which also will include some outdoor activities, Stanfield said participants will learn how to use a compass and a GPS, and simulating exploration mapping in the field.
But the highlight of the program, he noted, is the visit to the site.
“They get to see a drill rig, the facility, and what Canada’s next gold mine looks like right now,” Stanfield remarked.
“And we’re really excited to show that.”
He added participants also will have a chance to see core that has been extracted from the ground and to view a model on the computer.
“It’s low-tech and high-tech,” Stanfield explained. “And kids immediately connect to technology.
“When they see it visually, they are intrigued.”
In fact, he said some youth last year indicated geology might be a future career for them.
“So it’s nice to be able to share with people what we do and give them a better understanding of it,” Stanfield remarked, adding he hopes the program will be offered here annually.
“It really put into perspective how essential the mine is to our area . . . and how much work it takes to make a mine operational,” noted Garnet Cornell, who is working as an environmental assistant for Rainy River Resources over the summer.
“It’s an eye-opener for people in the community to actually understand how big of a commitment and how key it is for our area to have this mine up and running,” he stressed.
“Just to understand it more is really what ‘Mining Matters’ is all about,” Cornell reasoned.
“Trying to open people’s eyes to what possibilities this mine will bring.”
While Cornell has been studying Earth Surface Science at the University of Guelph for the past three years, the “Mining Matters” program showed him just how many jobs there are in mining alone.
He encourages others in the community to sign up for the workshop and learn about mining locally.
To register, download a form from the company’s website atwww.rainyriverresources.com
Completed forms can be faxed to 482-2834 or e-mailed toldunn@rainyriverresources.com
There is no cost associated with participating, and lunch will be provided each day.
Rainy River Resources will be in contact with participants to confirm their attendance no later than July 25.
Stanfield noted space is limited, so people should register as soon as possible.
For more information, call 482-2501.
(Fort Frances Times)