Northern Canada's future mining workforce finds home in new $8.3m mining centre

 Northern Canada’s future generation of skilled miners have found a new home with the unveiling of the $8.3million Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining (CNIM) building at Yukon College.

Launched in 2013, CNIM aims to provide services to industry and training for students with state-of-the-art facilities, mobile classrooms and high-tech simulators. Through its close access to working mine sites, reclamation and mineral exploration areas students can gain real-world experience.

“CNIM looks to work with industry to provide the best training to maximize opportunities for northerners in the region’s labour market” says Shelagh Rowles, Executive Director.

Through the CNIM, Yukon hopes to build a future of a highly skilled workforce, a stronger economy through greater opportunity, and a more efficient, sustainable mineral industry.

“This ground-breaking programming will enhance the training experience for local students which will help the Yukon resource sector be the most technologically innovative that it can be. The Government of Canada is proud to support the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining at Yukon College - support that will help to advance Canada’s economic competitiveness,” said Minister Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

“The Yukon government is proud to invest in the development and operations of this new facility to train the next generation of skilled trades workers who will be ready to bring innovative ideas and practices to the mining sector.” Premier Darrell Pasloski said at the launch.

• The full cost of the project, including construction and fittings was $8.3million
• Most of the workers who worked on the construction were grafuates from the Yukon College
• The bulding contains a multi-use shop which has a unique large door to facilitate access for large equipment and structures.
• Programming at the centre will include - Heavy Equipment Technician, Introduction to Underground and Surface Mining, Environmental Monitoring, Carpentry, Electrician, Pipe Trades, Welding, Geology Technology, Air Rotary Drill Helper, Trades Exploration, plus trades and technology areas as suggested by industry.
• 172 students have benefitted from CNIM programming since its creation in 2013.
• Research conducted in partnership by CNIM and the Yukon Research Centre has focused on water remediation techniques as well as using native plants to assist with mine remediation for Canada’s North. Yukon's NSERC Industrial Research Chair, Dr. Amelie Janin is working closely with the Mine Research Consortium made up of five of Yukon’s mining companies to solve northern challenges in the mining industry.

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