Mariet Mintchev, Project Manager, Calgary, Alberta

When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?

I started in April 2020, just after the pandemic hit. I am in the Calgary office but was working mostly from home for the last two years. Nevertheless, I was able to visit sites such as Line Creek, Greenhills and Fording River quite a few times. And I hope to visit Red Dog as well because I work very closely with the team. So yeah, it’s been a fantastic two and a half years now. 

Give us a brief description of what you do in your role.

I am a Project Manager and sometimes also work as a Business Analyst. Most of my projects are related to Health and Safety. My biggest project was installing Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) in a total of 800 vehicles including haul trucks, light vehicles and heavy equipment at Line Creek, Greenhills, Fording River, and Red Dog operations. We’re preparing to start phase two installations to complete the project with adding the rest of the in-pit fleet.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I’m pretty excited about working at Teck because I’ve never worked for a mining company before. It was an interesting, new industry for me to learn. I’ve worked in other industries like oil and gas, telecommunications, aviation, and I’ve been doing contracting and consulting work for more than 10 years. My background is in Computer Engineering and Science. I started my career in IT as a Software Developer, Support Engineer in Automation, Business Analyst and Project Manager. I really like the culture at Teck. The atmosphere is relaxed but still professional. People are results-oriented, highly qualified, and extremely respectful. It’s easy and delightful to work with my teams. I will always choose Teck as one of the best places to work. I feel respected and satisfied.

Our Purpose statement and refreshed set of Values came from our conversations with people from all across Teck. How do you see yourself in these – and how do our values line up with yours?

Teck’s culture and values resonate strongly with me. I’m a person who is very professionally dedicated to doing quality work that protects people’s health and lives. It is amazing to know that we’re installing systems that actually prevent incidents. Now we’re educating people about the system, how it works, and trying to make sure that it is sustainable in the long run. At the end of the day, we want people to go home safe. Seeing that result at the end of the project is very satisfying for me as a professional. 

What inspired you to lead the Mobile Proximity Detection Project? 

I didn’t know much about CAS when I started the project, but once I started doing the work and learning, I was really amazed at how important it is. I was very inspired and worked hard to make sure the project succeeded. 

What advice would you give to other women pursuing a career in the mining industry? 

There are great careers in this important and demanding industry. There is nothing you cannot do in this industry because you are woman. I work with and I see many women engineers, operators, managers and others at sites. There is a role for everyone. I was surprised to see a lot of freshly graduated young women driving these huge haul trucks. They work in the pit, and they are very well respected. There are a lot of women in the field as the mining culture is really embracing women and diversity in the industry. I see more women working at Teck and feeling great about their job, the culture, and the environment. It’s awesome to see women feel accepted and respected.

Meet Diego Cejas, Senior Environmental Specialist, Quebrada Blanca – Port

When did you start working at Teck and at which site or office?

I started working at Teck in October 2018 on the Quebrada Blanca Environmental team, at the operation's camp ‘Tambo Tarapacá’.

Could you briefly describe what your role is?

My role is to ensure compliance and monitoring of the requirements under QB2’s Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA), and specifically, the requirements for the construction of the Linear Works area (ducts and high voltage lines).

I am currently taking on a new role at the Quebrada Blanca port, where I’m responsible for ensuring compliance with commitments related to the marine environment.

What is your favourite part of your job?

What I like most is the dynamics of the biodiversity in the areas I have worked in. Each field campaign allows us to understand and interpret the movement of this biodiversity and its development in different sites. This information also helps us maintain a minimum impact throughout the project.

What is the most memorable moment or the one that makes you the proudest of the work you do at Teck?
My greatest pride at Teck was being part of the QB2 project team in the environmental work related to the Linear Works area. At first, the scope of the environmental work was small, but it grew exponentially as the project progressed. Achieving the construction of the pipelines and power lines with zero impacts to the Metharme Lanata* species was a great challenge that we were able to overcome. 

*Metharme Lanata is a little known and studied bush species that was identified in the QB2 area. For its care, stringent protection measures were developed.

What community do you live/work in and what is special about this place for you?

I was born and raised in Iquique, the capital of the Tarapacá Region, where Quebrada Blanca is located. My grandparents worked at the former Saltpeter Works of Santa Laura at the beginning of the 20th century. For that reason, continuing with the tradition in mining—but from a sustainability perspective—makes my work special.

What is your favourite activity outside of work and why?

My favourite activity is family gatherings with my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. It has become very necessary to hold these gatherings at least once a month; it is a moment of reunion, joy and family growth. I also play outdoor sports such as soccer, bodyboarding, and jogging and biking on the beach. 

Gabrielle, Safety Coordinator, Trail Operations

When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?

I started working for Teck in February 2021 at Trail Operations. I feel very lucky to be living close to work.

Briefly describe your role.

I am proud to be part of an amazing team of people. As a health and safety coordinator on site, my role is to ensure everyone goes home safe and healthy every day, through education, coaching, and harnessing the value of teamwork. Wherever there are risks, the Health and Safety Team assists with mitigation and control of hazards, enabling people to safely reach desired results. 

How do you see your work represented in our purpose and how do Teck’s values line up with yours?

Great people are working behind Teck’s purpose of providing the essential resources the world is counting on to make life better while caring for the people, communities and land that we love. The efforts include working to promote the wellbeing of Teck’s people, the environment, and the surrounding communities. I certainly appreciate these efforts as a resident of beautiful British Columbia. It is all made possible by talented employees and contractors, so keeping these people safe becomes the priority of my work, and of those on my team.

What gets you up every morning?

The thought of empowering the lives of others inspires me to get out of bed every morning. I know my work influences the lives of my colleagues. Whenever I help them develop a new life skill or discover something new about themselves, I also learn from them too. I was moved the other day when a co-op student thanked me for helping them learn great safety habits they can use at work and home.

There were many role models in my life that taught me important skills and provided an environment that helped me grow and succeed. Knowing that I can do the same for people today is extremely rewarding.

What advice do you have for women trying to pursue a career in mining?

Go for it! The industry benefits a lot when there is diversity in the workforce. There are many ways to find your role within the mining industry, allowing you to jump in feet first. My career in the industry has taken me from Red Seal Carpenter to Health and Safety Coordinator.

Success can be reached with the right guidance and support, which can come from many people: our immediate friends and family, our colleagues, and at Trail Operations, a local Women’s Networking group that aims to connect mentors with mentees. Use your resources and above all, carry yourself with confidence. You are needed and valuable, and the industry welcomes you, as we work to break barriers.

What is your favourite activity outside of work and why?

Anything that gets me physically moving and mentally engaged. Hockey, ball, paddleboarding, hiking – you name it! I will find the gear for it and enjoy the fun. This season I am coaching women’s hockey and it has been extremely rewarding. Having the ability to take a learned skillset and help another person achieve their goals reinforces my own love for the game and what sports can offer us as individuals and a collective community.