First grads from Yukon geoscience program face uncertain prospects

The Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining will soon have its first-ever graduates. Students of the geoscience technology program at Yukon College are completing the two-year program this month.

"We have a good foundation towards getting a geology degree, learning more and being more academic," says student Jutta Hopkins-LeCheminant. "But right now we're very employable as technical people."

The Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining was first announced two years ago by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski. Its goal has been to provide skills and trades training, specifically geared towards the mining industry.

When the Centre was first announced, some people questioned why government was investing money in the mining sector when mining companies were slowing operations and laying off staff. Arguably, things have not improved much. Since then, Yukon Zinc shut down its Wolverine Mine near Watson Lake, citing low metal prices.

"It is still tough," says Geoff Newton, a geologist with Kaminak Gold. The company has been working with students at its Coffee Gold project near Dawson City.

"We might well be the only exploration project going at this stage," says Newton. "Hopefully with gold staying stable maybe some companies will be able to attract a little more investment."

This year's graduating class is staying positive, though. Some intend to pursue further studies, while others are looking for opportunities beyond the goldfields.

"I think we've learned how many facets of the mining industry there are," says student Chad Bustin. "Either to environmental, or mining and exploration, [there are] a lot of ways to use that knowledge."