During the recent meeting of the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association (CDDA), the Board and Office Staff created an important forum to discuss the future of the diamond drilling sector. Attendees included prominent figures such as Robert Fleming, CEO and Shareholder of Team Drilling LP; David Bradley, President of RJLL Forage Drilling; Chris Drenth, Engineering Director for Performance Tooling at Boart Longyear; Gilbert Huard, Director of Underground Operations at Orbit Garant Drilling; Jarrett Campbell, Regional Director at Boart Longyear; Ryan Boeshe, Regional Sales Manager at Di-Corp; Kathy Karbonik, Canadian HR Manager at Major Drilling International, Inc.; Gerry Cooke, Health and Safety Officer at Team Drilling LP; Michelle White, Product Manager of Exploration Consumables at Epiroc; John Stringer, Business Development/Contract Manager at Major Drilling Group; Robert Steadman, Vice President of Human Resources at Foraco; and Mathieu Dionne, President of Diafor Diamond Drilling. The Office was represented by Executive Director Louise and Membership Services Coordinator Ashley. Dwane Ross and Tony Tromp sent their regrets due to other commitments but requested they be updated on discussions had.
True to its spirit of collaboration, the meeting focused not on competition, but on a shared commitment to fostering growth, safety, and well-being within the diamond drilling and exploration industry. The Board and Office Staff participated in productive discussions aimed at identifying critical challenges and opportunities that could influence the industry’s direction. Including a discussion on diamond driller and diamond driller helper wages and the need to conduct a new industry wide survey.
Furthermore, the Board and Office reviewed and discussed upcoming CDDA events such as the Curling Tournament in December, the November Safety Meetings for Eastern and Western Canada, the 2024 CDDA AGM and Convention in Quebec City, and the Overburden Golf Tournament. Initiatives like the Common Core Program at Canadore College, in partnership with MIHR, and the “Bring it to the Surface” program, which emphasizes health and wellness, were also key topics of discussion.
The Board and the CDDA Office also took a moment to acknowledge the commitment of the late Bernie Robertson for his unwavering dedication and contributions to the CDDA. They recognized that many of our initiatives would not have been possible without his support. We are committed to honoring his legacy as we move forward.
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