2000th Certificate Issued to Professional Miner

News 1 October 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON, October 2, 2024 – The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is proud to announce that over 2000 certificates have been presented to mining professionals across Canada through the Canadian Mining Certification Program (CMCP), recognizing them for their high skills, commitment to safety and the industry.

The CMCP is the first – and only – national mining certification program of its kind in Canada. The industry-standard for validating the skills, knowledge, and experience of mining workers, the CMCP allows mine workers to demonstrate their expertise by meeting the National Occupational Standards established for the Canadian mining industry.

The 2000th certificate was presented to New Gold Inc. employee Cameron Harris at a presentation ceremony on August 22 at the New Gold Inc.’s New Afton mine near Kamloops, British Columbia. “Achieving 2000 certifications shows how individuals and organizations are committed to creating and recognizing industry standards,” said Mr. Harris. “CMCP certification gives me a comprehensive list of my mining skills and knowledge. Looking forward, specific skills and knowledge I need to achieve for my professional development can be identified.”

Following the presentation ceremony at the New Afton Mine, the next cohort of CMCP certifications were presented to Barminco employees. These employees now have nationally validated and recognized skills as competent underground miners and industry trainers.

 “The CMCP is part of MiHR’s Canadian Mining Skills Development Strategy, which recognizes the current workforce and gives mining professionals the opportunity to gain a nationally recognized credential,” said Dana Imbeault, MiHR’s Senior Director of Operations and Skills Development. “These credentials will demonstrate to employers a worker’s critically important role, highlighting opportunities for advancements to support the expanding demand for minerals. All of this will lead to a strong, healthy and prosperous Canadian mining workforce and economy. Two thousand certifications is a milestone that we will continue to build on and celebrate. The next awarding of certificates is planned at the DeBeers Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, where approximately 60 workers will be recognized for their hard-earned skills and experience as frontline supervisors.”  

The demand for renewable energy is booming, and Canada is a key supplier of critical minerals. Global demand for minerals is expected to double by 2040, and therefore the Canadian workforce will be in desperate need of skilled workers to meet this demand.

“If you haven’t already, get certified,” reiterated Mr. Harris. “If you have been certified, continue to utilize the CMCP’s resources and the Workplace Assessors. Skills you might take for granted can be added to your resume. There are now over 2000 certifications and as more workers and organizations get involved the more beneficial it will become.”

Click here to learn more about the CMCP and its benefits to both mining organizations and workers.

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About the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)

MiHR is Canada’s knowledge centre for mining labour market information. An independent, non-profit organization, MiHR leads collaboration among mining and exploration companies, organized labour, contractors, educational institutions, industry associations and Indigenous groups to identify opportunities and address the human resource and labour market challenges facing the Canadian minerals and metals sector.

About New Gold Inc.

New Gold is an intermediate gold mining company committed to responsible mining with a portfolio of two core producing assets in Canada: The Rainy River gold-silver mine in Ontario and the New Afton Gold-copper mine in British Columbia.

About Barminco

Barminco is an underground mining services company that brings certainty of delivery and safety to mine owners worldwide through its unique global operating model. Barminco is one of the world’s largest hard rock underground mining services companies, with operations in Australia, North America and Africa.

For More Information:

William Meyer
Director, Communications and Career Development
Mining Industry Human Resources Council
613.270.9696 x 58
wmeyer@mihr.ca