Pit Stop No16: The Do’s and Don’ts of working on a mine site
If you are a mining student like me and want to get the most of your experience on a mine site, check out the list below of the do’s and the don’ts! I obviously don’t know everything about mining or working on a camp so feel free to comment any suggestions you may have!
| The Do’s | The Don’ts |
| 1. Just starting your first mine job? Feeling a little anxious or overwhelmed? Do relax! Mines can seem like big scary dark places but I can assure you, they are not! | 1. Don’t underestimate the importance of safety on a mine site! |
| 2. The first week is usually paperwork and site visit; do pay attention to lunch places, your supervisor’s office and the toilets (everyone has cravings…) | 2. Do not come to work late… just don’t. |
| 3. Always wear ALL of the safety equipment before going onsite! And when I say ALL, I mean like ALL of the safety equipment. | 3. Don’t expect things to be smooth or easy… mines are rough and bumpy; get used to it. |
| 4. Do get to know you colleagues; what got them into mining, their career path… It helps to break the first-week-awkward silence. | 4. Don’t pretend you know it all… you don’t. |
| 5. Do ask questions, any questions… do it. | 5. Don’t wait for work to come to you! Try to ask yourself this question every day: how am I creating value today? |
| 6. Since some mine sites are in a galaxy far far away, I do encourage you to make friends at the office! | 6. A special one for female miners: you are no different than a man so don’t expect to be treated differently. |
| 7. Learn!! Learn to cook, to clean, to sleep early (that one’s important) and if you have some extra time … you won’t have extra time. | 7. Don’t complain about your job/boss, mining internships are pretty rare these days #downturn |
| 8. Feeling lonely on some afternoons? Time to renew your Netflix subscription! | 8. Don’t take days off from your internship especially if it’s 4-month, you want to give the best impression! |
| 9. Do Skype with your friends and family; let them know you are still alive… after all, mines are that dangerous! | 9. Don’t rush when handling expensive equipment! If you’re a surveyor like I was, you DON’T want to be remembered as the one who dropped the total station. |
| 10. Get dirty… not that way! I mean go underground or in the pit whenever you get the chance! | 10. Don’t expect to have everything right the first time, it is okay to make mistakes… but please do learn! |
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