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De Beers Canada hosted 14 mining, industrial and service-related companies at Victor Mine for two career fairs designed to help employees obtain new positions once the mine ceases production in early 2019.
The latest initiative in a comprehensive support program was coordinated by De Beers Canada Human Resources to help employees at Ontario’s first and only diamond mine transition following the end of operations.
“We have a great team with a strong safety culture and world-class skills who have contributed so much to the success of Victor Mine during the past decade,” said Alistair Skinner, Operations Manager. “It is important to us that we help our employees find new opportunities when the mine closes. Any employer would be proud to have a Victor employee join their team.”
The career fairs were held October 24 and November 7 at the remote fly-in/fly-out site to allow employees from across the mine to learn about potential careers with other mining companies and other employers. The Victor Mine is a multi award-winning operation that has captured numerous regional, national and international awards for safety, business operation, marketing and environmental performance. In 2009 the Victor Mine was named ‘International Mine of the Year’ by Mining Magazine.
While the majority of employees will move to other mines or companies, a number of key positions have been able to transfer to the De Beers Canada asset retirement team, while others will remain on-site in new roles with contractors involved in the closure and reclamation work.
“We want to retain the culture and value system De Beers Canada has established here at Victor,” said Erinn Heritage, Human Resources Manager with Priestly Demolition, the Ontario company hired to lead demolition on site. “It’s a sad occasion, but at the same time it’s a very positive atmosphere. Everyone is warm and welcoming, happy and upbeat.”
Over the coming weeks, the company will continue to reach out to individuals to start conversations about potential contracts during closure.
One of the mining companies to take part in the career fairs, Agnico Eagle, sees Victor employees as a unique talent pool to draw into its remote mines in Nunavut territory.
“These are quality people and De Beers Canada shares many of the same values as Agnico Eagle,” said Thomas Parker, a recruitment counsellor with the Val D’Or, Quebec-based miner.
Since the mine closure was announced in October 2017, mine-based and community-based workshops have been held frequently to help employees build resumes and cover letters, learn interview skills and work through financial planning. De Beers Canada also has agreements with other northern Ontario mining companies to help Victor employees move to new jobs in the region.
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