Joe Slaviero was 15 when it happened. He went panning with his father and
was bitten by the gold bug. His life was never the same.
"As soon as I found my first bit of gold, I was hooked. I drifted into
mining through an early interest in rocks and geology. I had my first mining
lease when I was about 19 and the progression to underground mining started
from there.
"Whether you're an engineer, geologist, miner or just a mine laborer,
if you're good at your job, you're treated as an equal throughout
the chain of command because each skill is so specialized," says Slaviero.
"For instance, an engineer won't tell a miner how to perform some
task in a mine. He would design the project, inform the miner and the miner
will do it.
"The mining fraternity is a very close-knit group, hard to get into and
very political. It's just great fun and never boring. I personally find
that the sense of achievement I get out of mining under very dangerous and
difficult conditions a real rush that I don't think many other jobs could
offer."
Ben Frazier has been in mining and construction for over 10 years. "It
takes a lot of networking and research to get yourself a position in a mine
if you don't have prior experience," he says.
"But the rewards are worth the risk once you get in. This is one of the
most dangerous jobs you can get yourself into. Maturity and safety are paramount.
If you have a hard time getting work with a mine, you may need to work for
a contractor who does work for mining companies and learn the ins and outs
of mining."
Mining meant good wages and being in her hometown for Bonnie Boyer. She
entered her first coal mine over 17 years ago as a general laborer.
"It really wasn't that bad. It was quite dark, but mostly what I expected.
And it's quite a subculture. Quite interesting. Plus, I realized that
I could do it," she says. "This has certainly paid better than most anything
else has in my area, including nursing."
David Langley also enjoys mining. He's a self-employed miner, surveyor
and explorer. "My first profession was engineering surveying, then mineral
exploration, and now it's mining," he says.
"I love the outdoor lifestyle! Prospecting! Finding an economic gold reef
is always a buzz. Also shotfiring! I never get tired of seeing a few thousand
tons of rock lifted by one of my shots."
Loren Duncan spent three years in the construction industry before turning
to mining. He researched various professions and chose mining because it offered
him a chance to grow in many directions.
"I wasn't satisfied with construction. Then I made the decision that
future schooling was required if I wanted to attain my career goals."
After arduous years in the mines, Duncan is now a supervisor. His regular
workweek consists of four 12-hour shifts over two days and two nights. As
a supervisor, he arrives one hour early to line up his crew.