Driller’s Assistant Training Program Successfully Delivered in Kitikmeot Region

Press Release

CAMBRIDGE BAY, NU (April 19, 2016) – Kitikmeot Corporation (KC) is very pleased to announce the successful completion of its Driller’s Assistant Training Program in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. Exploration diamond drilling is a key feature of both mineral exploration and production mining. To pursue opportunities in this area, in 2015, KC formed a partnership company with Geotech Drilling Services Ltd. KC recognizes diamond drilling as a prospective employment opportunity for Kitikmeot residents and is very focused on having more Inuit participate in this industry.

The Driller’s Assistant Training Program was delivered on behalf of KC by Geotech Ekutak. Funding for the program was provided by the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and by the Government of Nunavut. TMAC Resources, owner of the Hope Bay Gold Project, was also a major supporter of the project, providing accommodation at its Doris Camp, as well as flights to and from Cambridge Bay.

A total of nine Inuit from the Kitikmeot communities of Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk were admitted to the Training Program. The first stage of the program consisted of a Drilling Orientation Course that was held in Cambridge Bay and at Doris Camp. During the first stage the nine participants were given training in first aid and basic health and safety training, drilling concepts, environmental protection, Inuit traditional knowledge, tools and equipment use and maintenance, and the experience of camp life.

Graduates of the Drilling Orientation Course who demonstrated the most interest and aptitude were invited to return to Hope Bay to participate in two, 3-week paid practicums as Geotech Ekutak employee-trainees. The first practicum was held in August and September 2015, giving trainees the experience of a summer season surface drilling program. The second practicum was held in February and March 2016, offering the challenges associated with surface drilling in arctic winter conditions.

Of the nine original trainees, three individuals completed both practicums and gained six weeks paid experience as a driller’s assistant working at Hope Bay for Geotech Ekutak. These three individuals have been offered employment with Geotech Ekutak.

David Omilgoitok, KC’s President and CEO, noted, “I am very happy with the results of this training program. I congratulate Nathan Nartok, Edward Kikoak, and Lucien Siggurk for completing the training program and look forward to them working at the Hope Bay Gold Project, and wherever else their ambitions take them. I also want to recognize the other participants of the training program. While diamond drilling may not be for everyone, I want to stress that there are plenty of other opportunities for Inuit to participate in our region’s resource sector. KC will continue to be at the forefront of generating training opportunities for our Beneficiaries. Finally, I commend KIA, the Government of Nunavut, and TMAC Resources for their respective support in making this training initiative such a success.”

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