Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSE:AVL) Announces That Aboriginal Driller Helper Trainee Darren Rabesca Obtains Common Core Certification
Toronto, July 28, 2010 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (
TSE:AVL) (PINK:AVARF) ("Avalon"), Foraco Canada Ltd ("Foraco") and the Mine Training Society ("MTS") are pleased to announce the successful completion of the Ontario Common Core Certification by Mr. Darren Rabesca, a proud member of the Tli Cho First Nation, Wha Ti, Northwest Territories.
Mr. Rabesca was one of eleven graduates of the Driller Helper Training program delivered in 2009 by Avalon, Foraco and the MTS, among other organizations. The objective of this program, the first ever offered in the NWT, was to help local First Nations people develop the skills necessary to find employment in the mineral exploration industry. Mr. Rabesca was employed in 2009 as a helper on Avalon's Nechalacho deposit drilling program, initially through Avalon and more recently by Foraco. Foraco's Safety Supervisor recently completed the review of Mr. Rabesca's skills and approved his certification.
Ontario's Common Core program for diamond drillers is the only recognized certification system in Canada for the diamond drilling occupation. It stresses safety aspects of drilling, as well as technical skills. Many mining and drilling companies may require Common Core certification for employment. Working with the MTS, Avalon succeeded in having the NWT government accept Ontario Common Core certification. In order to be certified under Common Core, the candidate must work under the supervision of an experienced driller and then complete a series of tasks while being observed by someone authorized to certify that the tasks were completed to a satisfactory skill level. Certification increases the employability of the individual and increases safety in the workplace by ensuring that work practices are undertaken in a safe manner.
Consistent with the principles of PDAC's e3 Plus program, Avalon actively seeks opportunities for business development for community owned organizations and employment for local community members. For example, Avalon awarded contracts to Deton Cho Logistics ("Deton Cho") a Yellowknives Dene First Nation owned business, to build an ice road last winter and for the construction of an airstrip this summer and will seek similar opportunities with other local communities in the future. In addition, Avalon is pleased that Foraco has entered into a separate joint venture arrangement with Deton Cho, under which drilling is taking place at the Thor Lake site. Bill Mercer, Vice President Exploration for Avalon said, "It is extremely satisfying to see our efforts in local community development bearing fruit in so many ways. All of us at Avalon wish Mr. Rabesca every success in his career."
Foraco is a TSX-listed global drilling services company serving the mining, energy and water industries. Foraco works with its clients to enhance its business value through creation of opportunities with Aboriginal people. The company has formalized a joint venture with Deton Cho for drill operation at Avalon's project. In addition, the company provided training into the Driller Helper course from which Mr. Rabesca graduated. Rob Steadman, Vice President, Foraco Canada Ltd, said "Darren Rabesca is definitely a great learner and shows excellent understanding and abilities when it comes to his job."
The Mine Training Society provides training and skills development opportunities to Aboriginal people leading to careers in the Northwest Territories' mining and mine service sectors. Hilary Jones, General Manager of the Mine Training Society, stated that "We are extremely pleased to see Darren's progress in his chosen profession. Working with both Avalon and Foraco to provide training to Darren has resulted in having his knowledge, skills and abilities being formally acknowledged by the Ontario Government. Getting your common core certification is not easy, and we are very proud of Darren."
ABOUT FORACO CANADA LTD
Foraco International SA (TSX:FAR) is a global drilling contractor providing innovative solutions for mining, energy, water and infrastructure projects across 18 countries and five continents. Foraco Canada Ltd is a subsidiary of Foraco International SA. The company offers a modern drilling fleet, best-in-class safety standards and a versatile, well-trained international workforce that has a proven track record in geologically complex formations, often located in some of the most inaccessible regions of the world. Through extensive international drilling experience, Foraco has expertise in engineering custom drill rigs and specialized techniques to meet our customers' exacting requirements. Foraco is headquartered in Marseille, France and publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FAR". For more information on Foraco call +1-705-495-6363 or see http://www.foraco.com.
ABOUT THE MINE TRAINING SOCIETY
The Mine Training Society is a partnership between Government of the Northwest Territories' Department of Education, Culture and Employment, BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc., Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., DeBeers Canada Mining Inc., North Slave Metis Alliance, Tli Cho Government, Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation, and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. MTS is funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada under the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program, with other funds coming from industry, government and aboriginal partners. For more information on The Mine Training Society call +1-867-765-0445 or see http://www.minetraining.ca.
About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSE:AVL) (OTCMKTS:AVLNF) (formerly Avalon Rare Metals) is a Canadian mineral development company specializing in niche market metals and minerals with growing demand in new technology. The Company has three advanced stage projects, all 100%-owned, providing investors with exposure to lithium, tin and indium, as well as rare earth elements, tantalum, niobium, and zirconium. Avalon is currently focusing on its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON and its East Kemptville Tin-Indium Project, Yarmouth, NS. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones.
| ||
|
