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Three local trainees hired at Gahcho Kué Mine are taking their place in the mine’s process plant at an exciting time as the mine is setting production and processing records.

Deanna Buckley, originally from Hay River but who now lives in Yellowknife, and Scott Belanger, from Hay River, started work at Gahcho Kué in early May. The two are members of the NWT Métis Nation. Allison Wetrade, a Tlicho citizen from Behchoko started work in June.

All three have worked closely with process plant trainer Clarence Pyke, of Yellowknife, to complete a variety of safety, equipment and job specific training, including operating the Bobcat and aerial lift equipment.

“There has been a lot of bookwork so far, but that was good for us before we went into the plant,” said Deanna, 21. She joined the Gahcho Kué team looking for a new challenge after holding a variety of serving and customer service jobs in the past. “I’m looking forward getting to know everyone and getting in to the routine of working in the plant.”

Allison, 21, had just been laid off from a job at the Friendship Centre in Behchoko when she saw the ad for the training position.

“My dad said ‘go for it’,” she said. “I am used to working around tools so I’m ready to get down to work.”

Scott, 19, applied for the training position so he could “get into the mining industry at a young age.”

He’s amazed at what it takes to liberate a diamond from the kimberlite ore that’s fed into the plant and is also keen to get to work in the plant.

“There is definitely a focus on working safely, something that’s important when you’re working in a remote location,” he said. “Everyone here puts safety above everything else.”

All are settling into the two weeks in/two weeks out routine and say they already feel part of the mine’s “family.”

“I already feel like this is something where I can build a career,” said Allison.

Clarence said the trio will take about a year to complete the training program at the mine, after which they will challenge the exam to earn their Mineral Process Operating Training (MPOT) certification offered through Aurora College. He says both have the potential to excel.

“They were introduced into the plant during one of the maintenance shutdowns and they jumped right in to help,” said Clarence. “That was very appreciated by the teams.”

For the first while, Deanna, Scott and Allison will shadow experienced process plant operators to learn the various tasks.