NWCC wins Mining and Sustainability Award

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) has been recognized as an industry leader in promoting sustainable development within British Columbia’s mining sector.

The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) presents the award annually to honour those committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in BC’s mining sector. “The Environmental Monitor Assistant Program at NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining provides innovative training that focuses on sustainable development and environmental excellence,” says NWCC President Dr. Denise Henning. “We are very proud that EMAP is being recognized by both the industry and the province as a success. The school is committed to those core concepts while it develops programs to prepare First Nations and other northerners as the industry’s next generation of employees.”

The Mining and Sustainability Award is a joint initiative between the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The award provides MABC the opportunity to publicly recognize the diverse companies, communities, First Nations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and individuals committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in the B.C. mining sector.

“As the mining sector embarks on a period of growth not seen in a generation, it is more important than ever to find new and better ways to dig the minerals that are critical to a clean and green economy out of the ground,” said Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC. “This award is intended to celebrate those new and better ways, and it is an honour to recognize this year’s recipients for their leadership.”

NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining continues to rack up the awards. In the past three years, SEM’s industry specific training programs have been recognized with a number of prestigious awards, including the 2009 & 2010 Northern BC Business & Technology’s Sustainability Award, as well as the 2010 Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Award from the Province of BC.

The award was presented at a special event in Smithers during BC’s Mining Week, May 16-20, 2011.

Photo: Mining and Sustainability Award presentation in Smithers. Pictured left to right: Robin Curry, former Director, School of Exploration & Mining (SEM); Christine Ogryzlo, Communications Director, Smithers Exploration Group; Beverly Moore-Garcia, Vice-President, Education & Student Services; Tanya Reedy, SEM Coordinator; John Wilson, SEM Instructor; Regina Saimoto, Smithers Campus Principal; Kathie Williamson, SEM Program Support; Rob Maurer, former SEM Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison; Judi L'Orsa, Grant Administrator, Smithers Exploration Group.