The first round of Indigenous students has graduated from the Haileybury School of Mines Underground Hard Rock Mining program. This is the first of two groups to go through the 12 week Northern College program. It is in connection with Wahgoshig First Nations and Primero Mining, giving the students hands-on experience. Graduate Samantha James says they installed ground support using a stoper, mucked out using a two yard scoop, drilled on the face using a jackleg, and tied in and loaded their own blasts. Executive Director of Community and Business Development at Northern, Christine Heavens, says the graduates will have a competitive edge when applying for mine positions.
