Mining is a big deal in Canada and for Toromont Cat. With nearly 200 mining sites that extract 60 different ores and metals, we are a key player when it comes to mining activities. Digging, crushing, and transporting such a huge amount of material requires durable, powerful equipment. For these tough jobs, Caterpillar machines are the obvious choice.
Canadian Mining: Where Adventure Meets Passion
There’s no way around it: when you choose a career as a fly-in, fly-out technician, you’re choosing something a bit different from your average 9-5 job.
The majority of Canadian mines are located in remote regions or in the Great North, both of which represent significant challenges. To understand the sheer amount of work and logistics involved to operate on these sites, we can look to two classic Cat mining machines: the 793 mining truck and the 6060 excavator. The Cat 6060 excavator can hold a whopping 61 tons in its shovel, while the Cat 793 truck can hold up to 230 tons in one load. The 793 truck alone measures approximately 45 feet long by 22 feet high, which is the equivalent of a large 3-story house! Bringing these massive machines to a mining site and maintaining their operation is no small feat.
"It's always an adventure," says Luka Desautel, who has spent the last five years with Toromont's mobile team. "I love to fly to work and see interesting and remote places." Pier-Luc Baril, who had mining experience before joining Toromont, says the job's unique pace makes it exciting. "When I'm at work, I'm 100% focused on the job," he says. "It's not a routine job - daily life feels less stressful on a 14 on, 14 off rotation."
So whether it’s regular maintenance, parts changes, troubleshooting or repairs, these technicians must do their job efficiently and have everything they need on the site.
Eric Mierzwinski, a member of team Toromont for more than 12 years, wouldn’t have it any other way. "Yes, it can be challenging at times, but it's all worth it." While you need to get used to living life on a different schedule than most people, Eric loves the challenge. "It's a fun job."
It’s a Team Sport
One thing Pier-Luc Baril appreciates is how mining is never a one man (or woman!) show. “You have to be a team player, given the size of machines most of the time we have to work as a team to get the job done,” he says.
When we work with our partners on their mining projects, we must consider the complex logistics that are required to not only supply the Cat machines required for the job but also maintain their operation on the site. This includes, among other things, having a strong team of technicians who can provide the necessary maintenance these machines need to operate at their full capacity.
For bigger mining projects, the equivalent of an entire Toromont Cat branch, with a workshop and parts warehouse, is deployed on a partner mining site, and our mining heavy equipment technicians work there on a 2- or 3-week rotation. These technicians are transported to the site (most of the time by plane), where they will be housed and fed for the entire length of their rotation (or they’ll receive an allocation).
As Luka Desautel puts it, “To do this job well, you have to love to learn; things move fast in this trade and you have to keep up to be good at your job.”
While on site, mining heavy equipment technicians get the opportunity to work on amazing machines, both in terms of their size and integrated technologies. To get the job done, these technicians must demonstrate problem-solving skills and teamwork to meet the challenges that arise. Both Toromont Cat and mining industries have very rigorous safety standards and procedures and safety is always the priority. Technicians also have the chance to see these monstrous operation sites in action and admire breathtaking landscapes!
As illustrated in these photos courtesy of Mary River mine in Baffinland, the mining world is one of extremes. Working on a mining site means a few weeks of exhilarating experiences, and when it’s all done, free time at home for personal hobbies or different adventures!
Ready for a Challenge?
One thing that Luka, Pier-Luc, and Eric all stress is the importance of problem solving on the job. "Problem solving is a key thing you have to love to become a heavy equipment tech." Pier-Luc adds: "You have to be self-reliant and resourceful."
Despite coming from a variety of backgrounds, Luka, Eric, and Pier-Luc love their unique schedule and the chance to experience parts of Canada very few people have the chance to see.
“I have all I want,” Luka says. “I travel all over the country and see amazing scenery, I get a lot of training to stay on top, get interesting challenges in my work, I enjoy a lot of quality time at home and I have very good pay.”
Is adventure calling you?
Our mining team is looking for licensed heavy equipment technicians (with at least 3-5 years experience on heavy equipment) to work on rotation (fly-in / fly-out).
