12 www.resourceworld.com
j u n e / j u l y 2 0 1 5
COFFEE
GOLD PROJECT
Robust Economics at
USD$1,250/Oz Gold
Open-pit, Heap Leach
Gold in Canada
TSX-V: KAM
www.kaminak.com
info@kaminak.com 1-844-646-4520
kamcimad 2015 mar.indd 1 3/19/2015 11:36:20 AM
in Canada where the development of our
natural resources has been a mainstay of
our economy for a very long time. But, as
an industry that exploits finite resources,
we have not always done a very good job
communicating the wide range of benefits
that stem from mining and how important
mining is to our everyday life.
For a time, there was a perception that
mining could not be undertaken in an
environmentally responsible way, was
using out-dated technology and was
essentially a sunset industry with age-
ing demographics. That perception has
definitely been challenged in recent years,
by mining companies and industry asso-
ciations alike and we are working hard to
demonstrate that our industry is innova-
tive, progressive and sustainable. There are
a huge number of different opportunities
and ways to get involved in the industry
that can create meaningful career paths for
young women and men alike."
I asked Thomas about the importance of
mentors. "I have benefitted from so many
mentors throughout my career at different
stages" she said. "From the youngest age
when I was 16 or so, it would have been a
Phd. geologist working at Thor Lake named
Dave Trueman and a masters student who
was working under him, Louise St. Jorre,
who first inspired me to think about a
career in geology. Moving forward, once I
got involved in certain aspects of the busi-
ness, my father, a passionate and successful
entrepreneur and explorer in the north who
gave me my first exposure to the business,
continues to be a very important mentor
and sounding board for me. I have also ben-
efited from the encouragement and support
of several strong and successful women in
our industry including Catherine McLeod-
Seltzer (Bear Creek Mining), a long-time
friend and business partner, as well as
Maureen Jensen (executive director of the
OSC), Pat Dillon (former Teck) and Deborah
McCombe (RPA) to name a few. I could go
on with that list, but suffice it to say that
I have benefited from a lot of good advice
over my long career."
Eira Thomas's story certainly has been
an incredible one so far. I am certain there
are few more chapters to come.
n
