At 54 years old, Edward Clermont is embarking on a new journey into the physically demanding underground mining industry, showcasing both bravery and ingenuity. Transitioning from previous roles in oil rigs and construction, Clermont’s unconventional path led him to enroll in the Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core program at NORCAT in Sudbury, a training facility known for its hands-on experience in the mining sector.
Clermont’s determination and unique approach to job hunting, which involved placing a billboard along the Trans-Canada Highway in Sudbury, caught the attention of industry professionals like Greg Major, the director of the NORCAT Underground Centre. Major commended Clermont’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of standing out in a field facing a growing shortage of skilled workers.
Despite initial challenges, Clermont’s persistence paid off when he secured a position at the Musselwhite gold mine in northwestern Ontario, fulfilling his aspiration to work underground. Cementation Canada, impressed by Clermont’s commitment and safety consciousness, offered him a nine-month contract as a construction miner, where he will be involved in drilling, bolting, and blasting rock underground.
With plans to continue working in the mining industry for the next 15 years, Clermont reflects on his unconventional career shift with pride, proving that age is not a barrier to pursuing one’s passion and excelling in a challenging profession.