Mines Present New Opportunities Amid Algoma Steel Layoffs
As Ontario’s mining sector booms with record gold prices, new job opportunities arise for laid-off Algoma Steel employees. A job fair held on Tuesday at the GFL Memorial Gardens attracted many job seekers eager for opportunities in gold mining.
Mines Present New Opportunities Amid Algoma Steel Layoffs
Three prominent gold mining companies participated in the event: Alamos Gold Inc., Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd., and West Red Lake Gold Mine Ltd. These companies set up booths to connect with local residents seeking employment.
Mining Companies Hiring Amid Demand
With gold prices reaching unprecedented heights, mining companies are on the lookout for skilled workers. Aileen Pajunen, human resources manager at Wesdome Gold Mines, stated, “Gold is a commodity that’s in demand.”
- Wesdome Gold Mines: Located in Toronto with an office in Sault Ste. Marie, the company operates the Wesdome Eagle River Mine and Kiena Mine.
- West Red Lake Gold Mine: Situated in Red Lake, Ontario, the mine’s maintenance manager, Dwayne Whitehouse, emphasized their recruitment needs.
Wesdome plans to onboard around 50 new employees, with preferences for those with skills transferable from Algoma Steel. Positions include laborers, experienced miners, truck drivers, and skilled tradespeople.
Flexible Work Schedules and Camp Life
Both firms offer flexible work arrangements. Wesdome has a mining camp west of Wawa, allowing employees to work a rotation of seven days at the camp, followed by seven days off at home. Pajunen described camp accommodations as “small hotel rooms” with essential amenities.
Similarly, West Red Lake Gold Mine offers a 14-day on, 14-day off schedule for employees, with flights arranged for workers to the site. “Our camp is brand new, and once you adapt to it, it feels like a holiday every two weeks,” Whitehouse noted.
Job Fair Success
The job fair, organized by the city’s Community Development and Enterprise Services Department, was quite successful. West Red Lake Gold Mine alone received more than 100 resumes from interested candidates. The company currently employs around 260 people and seeks to fill 60 additional positions.
Both mining companies acknowledge the shifting employment landscape as Algoma Steel experiences layoffs. “We’re looking for tradespeople, laborers, truck drivers, and underground support,” Whitehouse added.
Ultimately, the job fair highlighted the increasing opportunities in the mining sector, as local companies expand to meet rising demands for gold amid Algoma Steel’s workforce changes.
