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Northern Mines Expo 2014 Benefits Timmins and Surrounding Region

By Frank Giorno

May 14, 2014

Mayor Tom Laughren, Timmins (centre) praises Northern Mines Expo for bringing benefits to the community, Glenn Dredhart the President of Canadian Tradex (L) and Kimberly Bird, Nishnawbe Aski Development (R) are also pictured.

Representatives from the mining, prospecting, aboriginal, educational and municipal sectors say the Northern Mines Expo brings huge benefits to Timmins and surrounding region.  

 “With over 400 displays, the participation of mining companies, advanced exploration companies, an important Aboriginal mining forum, the latest mining technology – visitors  come to Northern Mines Expo and that brings huge benefits to Timmins,” said Mayor Tom Laughren speaking at news conference kicking off of  2014 edition.

The Northern Mines Expo will be held on Wednesday, May 28th from 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. and Thursday, May 29th from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. at the McIntyre Community Centre in Timmins, Ontario.

“People come to town from all over the world and eat our restaurants, stay at hotels and help our economy,” Mayor Laughren said. “In fact despite two new hotels in Timmins we cannot accommodate everyone. There is a spillover benefit to nearby communities like Matheson and Cochrane.”

Cutting Edge Technology

“The Big Event” as the Northern Mines Expo is affectionately referred to features cutting edge mining equipment and new technology.

“Companies from Ontario, Quebec and all over the world, come to have a look at this new technology,” said Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren. “Many of the technology innovations originated from the mining experience in Timmins.”

Best Events and Assembly of Mining People

“This is one of the best events and assembly of mining people I have seen,” said Dan Gagnon, Senior Vice-President, Operations for Lake Shore Gold. “I am always impressed by the number of mining companies, the suppliers, the First Nations groups and mining companies that get involved.”

Lake Shore Gold operates two gold mines and a gold mill in Timmins.

“Over the two days, you will see new technology, discuss with peers new challenges, make connections and meet with old friends,” Gagnon, added.

Prospectors Course

For those wanting to get involved with prospecting, the Northern Mines Expo provides a prospector’s course run by the Porcupine Prospectors and Developers Association (PPDA).

“Those who take the course will automatically become members of the Porcupine Prospectors and Developers Association (PPDA),” said Dean Rogers PPDA president.   The course will be held on Wednesday May 28, 2014 starting at 8 a.m.

To register for the prospector’s course visit http://canadianminingexpo.com/prospector_course

Aboriginal Mining Forum and Luncheon 2014

A major feature of the Northern Mines Expo is the Aboriginal Mining Forum and Luncheon sponsored by the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) which provides services to 89 First Nations communities belonging to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. This event provides an opportunity for mining companies, suppliers to network and develop partnerships with First Nations communities.

NADF promotes prosperity in First Nations communities by providing business advisory services, loans, grants and appraisals for the communities it serves.  

“We are trying to be the one-stop-business- shop for the aboriginal community,” said Kimberly Bird, Loans Manager for NADF.

The Aboriginal Forum and Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 29 from 9-1 p.m. Tickets are $100. The guest speakers include, Ron Basaraba, CEO, Cree West Air and Bob Dixon, Attawapiskat Resources Inc., two organizations that have been successfully funded by NADF.

The keynote speaker is Shawn Batise, the Executive Director of Wabun Council who will speak about the work he and his organization have done to negotiation resource agreements with mining companies on behalf of First Nations belong to the Council.

Education and Jobs Component

The Big Event is also is a great place to network and look for work in the mining industry.

 “If you are looking for work in mining bring your resumes or get your schools to arrange an outing,” Dredhart said.

Bob Mack, the V.P. of Community, Business Development and Employment Services for Northern College and Angelina Rothery, from Levert Personnel Resources also spoke on the importance of the trades in meeting the future needs of the mining industry.

“When we get involved with the mining show, we link up with the mining companies, suppliers and service providers and the Aboriginal community, so we can help provide the training needed for the industry,” Bob Mack said.

“Over the next seven to eight years there will be a need for 7,000 to 8,000 skilled workers in the mining industry and that is staggering,” Mack added.

Levert Personnel provides services to the mining industry. They recruit skilled workers to come and work in the Timmins area to work with local mines.

“The outlook is extremely promising, especially here in Timmins," Rothery said. "We rely on the Northern Mines Expo to recruit workers for the mining industry and bring in new skills.

For more information on the schedule of events, to register for Aboriginal Forum and Luncheon visit: http://www.canadianminingexpo.com/