The Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA) is hoping to instill an appreciation for mining in a new generation with a free family fun day for its members and their families.
Mining, Then and Now: A Family Celebration will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Dynamic Earth in Sudbury. The daylong event will feature activities, talks, and displays, and attendance is free for families and guests of SAMSSA member companies.
Dick DeStefano, SAMSSA’s executive director, said an agreement signed by SAMSSA and Dynamic Earth brings mutual beneficial exposure to the two organizations, helping to promote Dynamic Earth, while raising the profile of mining and mining service companies operating in the North.
“This event is part of a two-part series this year in which we're attempting to introduce, particularly to our family of companies and their families, what their parents do, and what the industry does, and what the history of mining is," DeStefano said.
“We’ve tried to make a pretty good mix of programs and events that are attractive to everybody, and so they’ll have much more sensitivity to the industry.”
The event will coincide with the opening of Dynamic Earth’s new science park, an outdoor activity centre that features mining-themed play equipment.
The day’s itinerary includes talks by WipWare president Tom Palangio on technology in mining; Brigitte Labby, who will look at an historical perspective of the industry; Marc Richard, chief engineer at Symboticware, who will speak about technology and underground safety; and Alicia Woods, founder of Covergalls, who will speak about women in mining.
At 3 p.m., visitors can watch ‘The 33,’ a film telling the story of the 33 miners who were trapped in an underground Chilean gold mine in 2010.
Throughout the day, participants will have an opportunity to fly a drone and learn how the technology helps in surveying, inspecting, and mapping surface and underground mine operations.
There will also be mining equipment from Rock-Tech and RDH Mining Equipment set up for display outdoors, and Vale will be giving away free tree seedlings.
Visit www.samssa.ca for more details.
