Photo contest focuses on Canadian mining

A milling electrician has been awarded top prize in the Keep Mining in Canada photo contest.

The winner, Peter Massi, mill/electrical superintendent at Barrick Gold’s Golden Patricia mine near Dryden, Ont., was one of nearly 80 contestants from mining communities throughout Canada.

Massi says his photo of one of Barrick’s stope miners (right) was meant to portray the typical young Canadian miner. “In my opinion, there is a lot of character, hope and enthusiasm in his eyes.”

Second prize (below, left) went to Jacques Charron of Placer Dome’s Sigma division in Val d’Or, Que., for his photo of several workmates, entitled “Safety at all times”. The third prize went to Lawrence Shaw, human resources superintendent at Barrick’s Golden Patricia mine, for his photo of Rosalie Quequish, a lead hand operator at the Golden Patricia mill (below, right).

The theme of the contest was “Canada through the lens of the mining industry,” and contestants were encouraged to photograph people, landscape, geology and/or the environment in images that portray the essence of Canadian mining.

“These photos will send a powerful message to all Canadians of the importance of keeping mining in Canada,” says Natural Resources Minister Anne McLellan, one of three photo judges. George Miller, president of the Mining Association of Canada, and Vivian Danielson, editor of The Northern Miner, also judged the photos.

Says Miller: “I am very impressed with the professional quality of the photos, even though the contest was open only to amateur photographers. They will be a great addition to the Keep Mining in Canada exhibit that will be travelling to shopping malls across Canada later this fall.” The traveling exhibit, which includes many of the photos entered in the contest, will go to malls in Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto and Montreal this fall. Signatures of support will be gathered for the Keep Mining in Canada campaign, a grassroots movement aimed at persuading government and industry to promote investment in domestic exploration and development.

The final destination will be Ottawa, where, on Oct. 18, industry representatives will meet politicians to discuss mining issues.

Peter Massi will receive camera equipment valued at $500 for his photo. The second prize is $300 worth of equipment, while the third-place winner will receive equipment valued at $200.