A challenge and an opportunity at Keno Hill
Shawn Pelechaty’s parents worked for United Keno Hill Mines in Elsa, and when the opportunity arose to become the mill manager for Alexco Resource Corp. at their Keno Hill operation, there was an obvious attraction.
“My dad worked in the mill here and my mom was in the accounting world,” said Pelechaty. “You could pretty much say I am a mining brat, but when you come back to a place that you were fond of as a kid and you get an opportunity to help it succeed, you want to do all you can to do that.”
Similarly, for Don Curry, Keno Hill’s current site services supervisor, being part of the team tasked with delivering on the restart of Canada’s only primary silver mine was a chance to go full circle in his over 40-year mining career.
“I wanted to be part of the start up team put together by Brad Thrall [Alexco’s president] and Wayne Zigarlick [vice-president operations and Keno Hill general manager]; plus, I have to admit I felt some nostalgia in the idea of returning to work on the same hills where I first worked as an 18 year old building exploration trails and trenching, and where both of my grandfathers and my father worked,” said Curry.
Since Alexco formally made the decision to re-start operations in June 2020, significant progress has been made at the site, which has been a testament to the dedication of its workforce, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“Alexco started this mine in one of the most challenging times; but having experienced operators, drivers, and labourers were key to getting the site ready,” said Curry, adding that the challenges of such an undertaking have also proven to be the source of a lot of pride. “The most meaningful part of my job is interacting with the guys and girls through mentoring, training, and some story telling. Our toolbox meetings are the best part of the day for me. I enjoy the camaraderie of my team, blending a sense of humour with the day’s expectations helps set the tone for the day.”
That culture is also something that Pelechaty sees as an important key to success.
“When you are part of a good team, the camaraderie allows you the freedom to really have some good laughs, and a good sense of humour allows us to build a culture here knowing we can enjoy our work, but when it is time to get down to work, we get the job done,” said Pelechaty. “We all understand that, and I can tell you, we have some awesome people here that know how to work.”
In early 2022, Keno Hill will complete its ramp up and reach steady-state production of approximately 4.5 million ounces of silver per annum. With that task completed, new opportunities and challenges for employees at site are sure to emerge, and the team looks forward to those.
“I thrive on goal setting, both short-term and long-term,” said Curry. “I personally feel proud when those goals are achieved, and everyone comes back safely.”
“I believe that when we succeed as a team there is a real sense of accomplishment,” adds Pelechaty.
