The Canadian Diamond Drillers Association (CDDA) celebrated its 50th anniversary in early May amid the sun and fun of this hospitable southern U.S. city.
The celebration was part of the Spotlight 93 convention hosted by the International Drilling Federation (IDF), of which CDDA is a member. Some 450 to 500 delegates registered for the show which, in addition to a presentation of papers on various drilling topics, featured an international drill equipment exposition.
The IDF has three group members — CDDA and two U.S.-based organizations, the Diamond Core Drill Manufacturers Association and the National Drilling Contractors Association — but it does maintain ties with drilling organizations in other nations.
Among the non-North American countries represented at the convention were Sweden, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, England and Saudi Arabia.
“The past 50 years have been filled with experiment, excitement and expectation,” outgoing CDDA President Frank Nolan said in his message to members.
CDDA Secretary-manager Richard Niels also expressed optimism in his message. “We have come a long way since our modest beginnings just 50 years ago,” he said. “And we intend to go further.”
Newly elected as CDDA president for a 1-year term is Gary Pipher, vice-president of JKS Boyles International in Orillia, Ont.
In 1992, membership of the CDDA comprised 42 current members, 21 associate members and five mining companies.
While the CDDA was created in 1943, its origins can be traced to 1938 when interested parties in Canada and the U.S. met to establish uniform drilling standards.
The following are winners of the CDDA safety awards for 1992: Surface — Class A, Bradley Bros.; Class B, St. Lambert Drilling. Underground — Class A, N. Morissette Canada; Class B, Heath & Sherwood Drilling.
Mining — Falconbridge.
The recipient of the Henry Skowronski Memorial Award was Longyear Canada. The CDDA has chosen Montreal as the site of its 51st convention.
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