Over the next 10 years, the mining industry will need 90,000 workers to fill jobs vacated by retiring baby boomers, said Fred Stanford, president, Vale Inco, Ontario operations. Stanford gave $100,000 to Dynamic Earth on Monday to help the interactive science museum develop programs to teach children and adults about earth science, mining science and mining technology.
FNX Mining, JP Bickell Foundation, HLS Hard Line Solutions and Mining Technologies International also gave money to Dynamic Earth.
“We know we need to inspire kids at a very young age,” said Dynamic Earth director Mia Boiridy, who has a masters degree in earth science and geochemistry.
This year, the museum is featuring the film, Ring of Fire, and a live science show, Volcanoes. School programs include Rock for Tots, Soil Science, The Mining Cycle and Deep Impact: The Sudbury Story. This summer, children will attend the camp, Earth Explorers.
Two research institutes from Laurentian University – MIRARCO and CEMI – will share their cutting edge work with Dynamic Earth as it develops its programs.
“Today’s industry is not about brawn and picks and shovels,” said Science North CEO Jim Marchbank. “It’s about high technology and a highly educated workforce.”
A pilot project underway at Rainbow District School Board is also encouraging students’ to consider a career in mining.
A group of Grade 11 students at Lockerby Composite School and Lively District Secondary School are taking an Introduction to Mining class and learning mining concepts in their math, english, chemistry and physics classes.
“I want to be a mining engineer,” said 17-year-old Jordan Gladu, who hopes to get into Laurentian University.
Emily McGuire, 16, said she wants to follow in the footsteps of her parents, who work at Vale Inco and Xstrata.
To learn more, visit dynamicearth.ca, inco.com, mirarco.org and miningexcellence.ca.
