INNOVATION September-October 2017

F E A T U R E

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN MINERAL EXPLORATION PERSPECTIVES ON THE PROGRESSIVE SHIFT IN BC’S MINERAL EXPLORATION INDUSTRY

WARREN MIRKO

Exploration field crew helicopter orientation at Wolverine Mine, YT. P hoto : T homas B ranson

Mining activity in BC, including exploration, is regulated and enforced solely by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources through the Mines Act and the accompanying Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (exploration activities on

or death can emerge from known hazards including severe weather and dangerous terrain, equipment issues, wildlife, and personnel security, as well as from unknown hazards and the links between them. Yet, under these conditions, many explorers go home safe every day.

Mineral exploration often requires travel to remote locations by fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, off-road vehicle and trekking in all types of terrain and weather conditions. There is inherent uncertainty in these dynamic work conditions and environments under which risk of injury

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