Two Northwest Territories organizations are benefiting from the extended-care closure of the Snap Lake Mine.
The organizations received what is considered a surplus of equipment. The total value is reported at $215 000.
A scoop-tram that was used to load ore underground, two underground Toyota multi-utility trucks, and several sets of heavy duty wheel chocks have been provided by De Beers to the Aurora College Mining Program. The equipment is worth over $190 000.
Two modular construction trailers, worth $25 000, were donated to Habitat for Humanity NWT. The trailers are expected to be used at the ReStore located beside the City of Yellowknife’s solid waste management facility.
Erik Madsen, General Manager of Sustainability for De Beers Canada, said De Beers is focused on creating a lasting legacy in the North.
“Both Aurora College and Habitat for Humanity have a huge impact on the people and communities of the NWT,” said Madsen. “We would also like to thank our business partner Det’on Cho Logistics for their assistance in transporting the items to the College and Habitat for Humanity.”
Aurora College will be utilizing the scoop-tram and trucks at their Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. The school just received a new $10 million centre for Mine and Industry Training, which is currently under construction.
“Being able to train students on real-world equipment similar to what they will encounter on the job site better prepares them for employment opportunities at the NWT diamond mines,” said Jane Arychuk, President of Aurora College. “Donations of equipment, such as the scoop from De Beers, also helps keep our costs down, which allows us to run more programs.”
- AURORA COLLEGE BREAKING GROUND ON NEW FACILITY LATER THIS YEAR
- DE BEERS GIVING STEM SCHOLARSHIPS TO UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
This is the second scoop-tram De Beers has donated to the College.
“Adding a second scoop to our programs could allow our students to have more ‘seat time’ in the equipment,” explained Mike MacPherson, Aurora College’s Program Head of Mining and Industrial Training.
A new Underground Miner training program is scheduled to begin in April 2018.
Snap Lake Mine is on extended care and maintenance which made this surplus equipment available.
