Blog: Rare Metals, CleanTech, Supply & Demand, Markets… but we should never forget about Sustainability and Community
I’ve had the great pleasure of learning a ‘tonne’ (… a Canadian mining term) about the wonders of rare earths and rare metals geology, mining and metallurgy, market development, new technologies, international trade and financial markets. It never fails to capture my interest and imagination. But at the same time, I believe it is very important that we not get caught up in the buzz and remember that all these dimensions are only beneficial if we respect and embrace the concepts of sustainability, communities and human resource development.
I’m not one who generally touts personal relationships, but I must take my hat off to my associates at Avalon and its partners in demonstrating the important values I hope many of us share…
In a jointly issued Industry Bulletin posted yesterday (July 26, 2010), Avalon Rare Metals, Foraco Canada Ltd and the Mine Training Society of the North West Territories celebrated a first, under the banner Aboriginal Driller Helper Trainee Darren Rabesca Obtains Common Core Certification
"Mr. Rabesca, a proud member of the Tli Cho First Nation, Wha Ti, Northwest Territories, successfully completed the Ontario Common Core Certification. As noted in the Industry Bulletin, Mr. Rabesca was one of eleven graduates of the Driller Helper Training program delivered in 2009 by Avalon, Foraco and the MTS, among other organizations. The objective of this program, the first ever offered in the NWT, was to help local First Nations people develop the skills necessary to find employment in the mineral exploration industry.
Ontario’s Common Core program for diamond drillers is the only recognized certification system in Canada for the diamond drilling occupation. It stresses safety aspects of drilling, as well as technical skills. Many mining and drilling companies may require Common Core certification for employment. Working with the MTS, Avalon succeeded in having the NWT government accept Ontario Common Core certification. In order to be certified under Common Core, the candidate must work under the supervision of an experienced driller and then complete a series of tasks while being observed by someone authorized to certify that the tasks were completed to a satisfactory skill level. Certification increases the employability of the individual and increases safety in the workplace by ensuring that work practices are undertaken in a safe manner. This initiative is fully consistent with the the principles of The Prospectors & developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC’s) e3 Plus program."
Foraco
The Mine Training Society
Avalon (TSX:AVL) (OTCQX:AVARF) is a mineral exploration and development company focused on rare metals deposits in Canada. Its flagship Nechalacho Deposit, Thor Lake Project in the NWT, is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world. It is exceptionaly enriched in the 'heavy' rare earth elements.
I guess that the rare earth elements do more than improve the quality performance of wind turbines, solar panels, hybrid cars, LEDs and electronics… It also enhances individuals, communities and companies.
Hey Darren… Congratulations and every success to you! I am confident that you have shown the way for others.
If you would like to read the full story program, please just click on http://www.avalonraremetals.com/news_media/industry_info/index.php?&content_id=290
Until soon... Ian
