Kamloops students dig into KEG mining conference

KAMLOOPS — Elementary school students from Kamloops and surrounding areas had the opportunity to visit the Kamloops Exploration Group Conference on Mining, where mining and mining-adjacent companies from across the country set up displays to showcase the newest technologies in Canada’s mining sector.

The conference, which takes place at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre, showcased the significant advancements in metal and mineral extraction. The Kamloops area is home to some of the largest mines in Canada, which are among the largest employers in the region.

More than 250 students from schools in Kamloops and surrounding areas, including Merritt, Ashcroft and Barriere, attended the event. Chris LeBlanc, the event’s director, noted that it was an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the components and metals that go into their electronic devices.

“They get to talk about mining, get to learn a little about where their phone comes from, their Xboxes, or all those components and metals that go into that. It’s a really healthy project, and hopefully, we can educate the public about some of the factors of mining,” LeBlanc said.

Outside, students were shown the fire trucks stationed at the New Afton Gold Mine, and they got the chance to see inside and race to see who could put on the gear the fastest. They explored not only careers in resource extraction but the other kinds of jobs that can be found at a mining operation.

Organizers deemed the event a success, drawing large crowds and educating the next generation’s workforce on one of BC’s most important industries. The KEG conference runs for one more day and will conclude on Wednesday (April 4).