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Saskatchewan Mining Week

Members of the Poplar River Mine ERT, from left: Guy Hiltz, Coordinator, Corwin Jepson, Captain, Dennis Hicks, Vice Captain, Blake Hagen, Chris Monteyne, Natalie Cairns, Travis Montgomery, Rob Drake, Cody Hansen, Cam Marit, Coach. Missing: Levi Clark and Jason Lemieux. Submitted photo

Members of the Poplar River Mine ERT, from left: Guy Hiltz, Coordinator, Corwin Jepson, Captain, Dennis Hicks, Vice Captain, Blake Hagen, Chris Monteyne, Natalie Cairns, Travis Montgomery, Rob Drake, Cody Hansen, Cam Marit, Coach. Missing: Levi Clark...

Published on May 26, 2012
Published on May 26, 2012
Alison Sebastian  RSS Feed

Q&A with Brian Cairns, mine manager of the Poplar River Mine in Coronach

Topics :
Poplar River Mine , Saskatchewan Mining Association , Surface Mine Overall Winners , Saskatchewan , Coronach , Regina

What does Sherritt Coal have planned for Mining Week?

We have made arrangements with the local school to tour some of the students around our site to familiarize them with the mining operations.

Our people will be competing in the annual ERT competition as defending Surface Mine Overall Winners in Regina May 26th.

What did the theme of this year mean to Sherritt Coal and Poplar River Mine?

Not only is mining great for Saskatchewan but it is great for the communities surrounding all Saskatchewan mines .

Are there local mine employees involved with the Saskatchewan Mining Association?

Yes through our Emergency Response Team. The competition is sponsored by the SMA. We also have people involved in the Safety and Environment Committees of the SMA the goals of which are to support the growth of a safe, responsible mining industry.

What changes has the mine seen this past year, and what changes do you see in the future of the Poplar River Mine?

We have added an additional coal crew in order to keep up with the increased hauling distances. We are seeing a rise in the number of employees who have decided to retire so this will open the door for more employment at the mine.

What is the current hiring climate at the mine? Are you currently hiring? If so, what types of jobs are you hiring for?

Hiring is dependant on the number of employees retiring. We have openings in the trades sector as well as the engineering department.

What training and or experience would you encourage our young people to obtain who are looking to find employment with the Poplar River Mine?

Mining engineering, civil engineering or any of the trades.

Is it a priority for Sherritt Coal to hire locally to sustain our community?

We find that locally recruited employees are more likely to become long term employees with a commitment to the community so that is our preference.

Can you tell me how Sherritt Coal contributes to our local community?

We participate in local trade fairs, we make donations to community events, minor sports and local golf courses.

We have donated equipment, which our employees operate on a volunteer basis, to help construct golf courses, landscape school yards etc.

How has the current growth in Saskatchewan affected the mining industry and or Poplar River Mine?

Yes the growth has created challenges in attracting skilled trades , engineers and other earth science professionals.

How big a part does the coal industry play in the Canadian mining scene?

The coal industry contributes roughly five billion dollars annually to the Canadian economy and employs directly or indirectly thousands of people across the country.

How many employees at the Mine?

We have 163 employees at the mine, from predominately 6 local communities.

What is one thing that Sherritt Coal would like us to know about the Poplar River Mine?

The mine is a great place to work , it allows our young people to stay in our community and raise a family here.

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