Just because you aren't a miner doesn't mean you shouldn't know a few things about mining.
UNBC is probing this lucrative, burgeoning local industry with a two-day course for people who are curious about the possibilities of direct employment, or for businesses that might link into the revenue opportunities mining companies create with their exploration and extraction activities.
If you see possibilities in the mining industry, but don't have a background in mining, this course provides the essential details, said its presenter, geologist Robert Stevens.
"Mining Essentials is effective at tying together and explaining the relevance and importance of the various parts of the industry," he said. "[It] is designed to lead participants through the entire life cycle of the mining industry."
The economic flow into the pockets of local businesses is dependent on local companies and agencies educating themselves and tailoring their efforts towards the surging sector. Initiatives Prince George, the city's municipal economic development arm, is recommending the Mining Essentials course.
"It is designed for people who work in the mining sector, but who do not have a technical background in geology or mining," said IPG's CEO Heather Oland. "This course is of interest for business professionals, government employees, First Nations, community leaders, investment advisors, regulators, accountants, lawyers and the public."
Stevens said the course was designed to incorporate 10 years of his experience as a geologist in the field, an instructor in the classroom (he is the associate dean of natural resources at the B.C. Institute of Technology) and a writer. His new book Mineral Exploration and Mining Essentials is a take-home resource for all participants in the course and, he said, helps to demystify and explain the industry long after the course is done.
The course is being held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
To register or to view UNBC's full Fall 2013 Continuing Studies Calendar, visit www.unbc.ca/continuing-studies. For more information, email [email protected] or call 250-960-5980.
