The city built on rock is gearing up to celebrate a week dedicated to Modern Mining and Technology Sudbury, which runs April 27-May 4.
A number of events are planned for the week, which kicks off Saturday with a Mining Industry Display and Career Fair from 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. at the New Sudbury Centre.
The event offers an opportunity for everyone to learn about mining and mining-related industries. In 2011, roughly 36 per cent of Sudburians were working in mining.
About 30 per cent of workers across northeastern Ontario worked in mining, and 19 per cent in northwestern Ontario. Employment in the southern part of the province, which is home to a number of non-metal mines, as well as mining head offices in Toronto, represented 15 per cent in 2011.
The mall display has evolved to include a career fair highlighted by mining exhibits, industry experts, mining supply and services providers and representations from government and educational institutions.
Other events include a business luncheon on May 3 at Bryston’s on the Park in Copper Cliff, hosted by the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation. The luncheon is an opportunity for members of the mining sector and those interested in the industry to network and enjoy a talk by the keynote speaker.
There’s also a photo contest, with a deadline of May 12. The 2013 themes are modern mining and technology, mining and the environment and people and mining. First prize is $500.
As part of the celebrations, five elementary schools will win the annual Discover Sudbury Tour, courtesy of MMTS. Each winning class will learn how the mining industry has evolved and how the land has been reclaimed.
Students learn about the history of the city and evolution of the Sudbury mining complex. Stops include re-greening sites, the first discovery of Sudbury ore, shattercones and a close look at modern mining technologies.
Grade 4 teachers from Sudbury will attend a subsidized Mining Matters workshop to learn how to deliver Earth Science-based activities and how to use the material provided in the educational kits.
During this workshop, the teachers’ students will visit Dynamic Earth for special MMTS programming. The materials include award-winning classroom curriculum kits, publications such as educator newsletters and original posters, and a dedicated website.
The program has helped to educate an estimated 400,000 students since it was established in 1997. For more information, visit pdac.ca/miningmatters.
Students can also take part in the seventh annual Geo-Engineering Challenge, which gives high schools a unique Dynamic Earth experience that is fun, exciting and educational.
Mine Opportunity allows students to explore geology, engineering and mining by answering questions and completing activities that are hands-on and curriculum based, including a tailored underground tour.
It goes April 29 for English students, and April 30 for French students.
For more, go to www.modernmining.ca.