Mining SHSM
Mining careers demand safety awareness, technical skill, and physical capability. Your Mining SHSM introduces you to extraction technologies, geology, and industry certifications. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada helps you build the well-rounded personal development that resource sector employers value.
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Mining safety certifications, geological training, equipment operation, mineral identification, and mining industry placements.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll develop my mining sector knowledge by spending about an hour each week on SHSM training in safety, geology basics, and industry practices. I’ll earn at least one safety certification and be able to identify at least 10 common minerals by the end.
Example Assessor:
SHSM Lead Teacher or Mining Industry Partner
Example Log for ORB:
Today I completed underground mining safety training, learning about ventilation and emergency procedures. I memorized the evacuation routes and understand air quality monitoring better now. Next week, I’ll focus on mineral identification and learn about different extraction methods.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Physical conditioning for mining careers, strength training, endurance building, and fitness for physically demanding underground or surface operations.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
For the next 13 weeks, I’ll build my strength and endurance for mining work by spending about an hour each week on exercises that prepare me for lifting, climbing, and sustained physical effort. I’ll track my progress through how much I can lift and how long I can work.
Example Assessor:
Phys. Ed Teacher, Fitness Trainer, or SHSM Lead Teacher
Example Log for ORB:
Today I did a strength and endurance circuit focusing on upper body and core. I added weight while keeping proper form. Next week, I’ll focus on grip strength and climbing exercises.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Volunteering with environmental reclamation projects, community education about mining, geology outreach programs, and STEM mentoring.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll volunteer about an hour each week helping with geology education or environmental programs related to natural resources. I’ll track how my teaching skills improve and what I learn about mining’s impact on communities.
Example Assessor:
Conservation Authority, Museum Educator, or STEM Program Coordinator
Example Log for ORB:
Today I helped at a geology event, teaching kids to identify rock and mineral samples. I got better at using simple comparisons that made things easier to understand. Next week, I’ll prepare a hands-on activity about how minerals are used in everyday products.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
A geology exploration where your team hikes through areas with interesting geological features, visits mining heritage sites or geological formations, and learns about mineral identification, earth sciences, and mining careers. You’ll connect classroom geology to real landscapes.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day hiking journey visiting at least three geological sites. We’ll identify and document rock types and geological features, learn about mining history and careers, and reflect together on how geology shapes landscapes and how we navigated challenging terrain as a team.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Geologist, or Mining Industry Partner
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Seeing geological features in person made our classroom learning feel more real. We got better at sharing rock identification duties and helping each other on difficult terrain. Next time, we’d bring better field guides and arrange to meet with a geologist on site.
Career Pathways
- construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- industrial electricians
- machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
- geological engineers
- geoscientists and oceanographers
- mechanical engineers
- mining engineers
- central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
- geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- heavy equipment operators (except crane)
- inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
- mine labourers
- other trades helpers and labourers
- underground mine service and support workers
