The OMA and Edge Factor have united in a strategic partnership aimed at empowering schools, mining companies and organizations across Ontario to inspire youth to consider a career in mining. Edge Factor is a smart platform and developer of story-driven tools designed to inspire people to explore, prepare and connect on their career journey.
Together, we have crafted multimedia tools that tell the impactful stories of individuals in the mining industry and spotlight the various occupations, essential skills and cutting-edge technology that define modern mining.
These multimedia tools are available as part of the This is Mine Life program on the Edge Factor platform and on the Ontario Mining Association’s This is Mining YouTube channel.
This partnership is an Employment Ontario project, funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. By harnessing the power of storytelling, this partnership aims to inspire, educate, and shape the future of the mining industry in Ontario.
Virtual Workplace Experience: Mining Industry Tour
Description: Take a Virtual Workplace Tour with Impala, Lac Des Iles Mine, and gain a better understanding of the Mining Industry. Experience the various stages of production and learn about the careers and opportunities that exist within this industry. We will explore how palladium ore is extracted and the diverse processes it undergoes until it reaches completion. In partnership with Edge Factor.
Career Profiles: Exploration Geologist - Cassandra Black
Description: Cassandra Black, an exploration geologist, identifies minerals nestled within the depths of the Earth's core. Engaging in extensive fieldwork, she meticulously analyzes data and delivers comprehensive reports detailing her discoveries. In partnership with Edge Factor.
Career Profiles: Heavy Equipment Operator - Claire Lamarre
Description: Claire Lamarre is a Heavy Equipment Operator at Impala Canada. Her job is to operate heavy-duty mining equipment to move materials, earth, rocks and other heavy objects. In partnership with Edge Factor.
Skilled Responders: Exploration Geologist - Cassandra Black
Description: Cassandra's lifelong love for the outdoors and her deep fascination with the Earth’s geological processes is what led her to the field of geology. In partnership with Edge Factor.
Launchpoint: Living Like A Rockstar - Cassandra Black
Description: Combining her love for the outdoors and her passion for science, Cassandra is rocking success and making waves as a Geologist in the mining industry. In partnership with Edge Factor.
Geek Out: The Mine Control Room - Monika Jorgenson
Description: In this Geek Out, students learn about The Mine Control Room from Metallurgical Technician, Monika Jorgenson. In partnership with Edge Factor.
Geek Out: The Portable XRF - Cassandra Black
Description: In this Geek Out, students learn about The Portable XRF from Impala Canada Exploration Geologist, Casandra Black. In partnership with Edge Factor.
Career Profile: Smelter Electrician - Shannon Ducharme
Meet Shannon Ducharme, a Smelter Electrician from Glencore, a global mining company. Shannon Ducharme installs, repairs and keeps electrical systems running.
Geek Out: Electrical Software - Shannon Ducharme
In this Geek Out, Shannon Ducharme, an electrician in the mining industry, explains how new electrical technology is making her job safer and more efficient.
Safety: Electrical Testers And Labeling - Shannon Ducharme
Safety first! Learn why proper PPE, respirators, hardhats, and meter testing are essential for Shannon Ducharme, an electrician in the mining industry, for on-the-job safety.
Soft Skills: Critical Thinking - Shannon Ducharme
Shannon Ducharme, electrician at Glencore’s smelter in Sudbury, believes that critical thinking is an important competency for troubleshooting electrical system analytics on the job.
Career Profile: Construction Miner - Brandon Levesque
Brandon Levesque is an Underground Construction Miner at Glencore. His job is to build, repair, and install the structures needed for mining operations.
Geek Out: Shotcrete Sprayer - Brandon Levesque
Learn how Brandon, underground construction miner at Glencore’s Nickel Rim South Mine in Sudbury, uses a remote device to operate a 25-foot shotcrete machine to secure walls and ceiling stability to create a safe working environment.
Safety: Construction Miner - Brandon Levesque
Brandon Levesque, underground construction miner at Glencore’s Nickel Rim South Mine in Sudbury, discusses why he feels safe working underground and how he always puts safety first.
Soft Skills on the Job: Confidence - Brandon Levesque
Meet Brandon Levesque, underground construction miner at Glencore’s Nickel Rim South Mine in Sudbury, who shares the importance of confidence and how good communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills can help you thrive on the job.
Geek Out: Vulcan - Megan Lerino
Discover how Megan, a Queen’s University mining engineering student, leverages mining engineering software to design mines with 3D renderings that optimize analytical data.
Safety: Mine Rescue - Julia Twinney
Meet Julia, a Queen’s University mining engineering student. With the help of advanced mine rescue tools, Julia is always prepared in the unlikely event there is an emergency underground.
Soft Skills on the Job: Time Management - Nick Kennelly
Learn how Nick, Queen’s University mining engineer student utilizes his soft skills to manage time and prioritize tasks that help him create a more efficient work environment.
Geek Out: Skills & Processes - Sustainable Development - Orissa Ghai
Orissa, Queen’s University mining engineer student, explains her passion for sustainability and why that motivated her pursue a career in mining.
Soft Skills on the Job: Confidence - Rebecca Randall
Rebecca Randall, Queen’s University mining engineer student, shares her story of self-confidence and why a STEM career also means honing your soft skills, like presenting to an audience.
Geek Out: Tools & Equipment - Open Pit - Nick Kennelly
Nick Kennelly, a Queen’s University mining engineer student, discusses the programs and software tools he uses on a daily basis and why a career in mining is an exciting future!
Geek Out: Tools & Equipment - Jackleg Drill - Sean Dellow
Sean Dellow, Queen’s University mining engineer student, explains how a jackleg drill is used in underground mining and why he is passionate about Ontario’s mining industry.
