Committee Spotlight: Mining Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC)

Mining Engineering students from the University of Alberta on a two-day tour of Fort McMurray and Suncor.

Mining Beyond Hard Hats and Heavy Equipment: University of Alberta Students Explore Career Paths in Fort McMurray

Mining isn’t just hard hats and heavy machinery. On September 26 and 27, 2024, 38 Mining Engineering students from the University of Alberta ventured to Fort McMurray and Suncor’s mining sites to get a firsthand look at the dynamic, evolving world of oil sands operations. For these students, this trip wasn’t just about visiting a site—it was about discovering the opportunities and innovations that shape today’s mining industry.

This experiential learning trip, organized by the Alberta Chamber of Resources’ Mining Industry Advisory Committee, the University of Alberta and Suncor, allowed students to see for themselves what a career in mining could look like. Such experiences give students a rare opportunity to envision their day-to-day roles within the industry, immersing them in a way textbooks and lectures can’t replicate. Recognizing the importance of engaging with the next generation of talent, Suncor hosted the two-day tour, giving students an inside look at the community and culture of Fort McMurray, along with an up-close view of Suncor’s operations at the Mildred Lake and Base Plant sites.

Day One: Connecting with Community and Culture

The trip began with a tour of Fort McMurray, followed by a site visit to Mildred Lake. Students were taken into the active mine, where they got to witness the truck-shovel operation in action, Next, they visited a tailings treatment technology facility, a critical part of Suncor’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The day concluded with a dinner and social event at MacDonald Island Park. This setting allowed students to meet with local mining professionals who live and work in the community, offering them a cultural perspective on life in Fort McMurray. Conversations with these professionals provided students with invaluable insights, allowing them to envision what living and working in the community could entail.

Mining Engineering students from the University of Alberta at Suncor’s Mildred Lake site.

Day Two: A Close-Up on Mining Technology

On the second day, students experienced the heart of the operation with a tour of Suncor’s heavy equipment shops, where they saw the massive heavy-haul trucks and gained insight into Suncor’s autonomous haulage systems and advanced mining technology. For many students, this was their first time on a mine site, and their curiosity was palpable. They eagerly asked questions about the systems, technology, and processes that drive the operation, connecting theory from their studies to real-world applications. When asked about the experience, one student replied, “This has been a ‘fish out of the pond’ type experience for me and I realized that what is taught in classrooms does not do justice to real life. I think more students need real life and hands on experience with their subject materials to truly understand it.”

Suncor’s operations offered a sense of scale and complexity as their sites rival some of the world’s largest mining sites, preparing students for the realities of large-scale engineering work. A student remarked that they had, “Really enjoyed getting to see the mines up close as well as getting to see kind of the whole process from mining to tailings to reclamation.” This tour allowed them to see the full lifecycle of a mining site, underscoring the industry’s dedication to responsible resource development.

Supporting Future Mining Engineers through Experiential Learning

Suncor has been a longstanding supporter of the Alberta Chamber of Resources’ Mining Industry Advisory Committee, recognizing that experiential learning is essential for preparing students for their future roles. This tour allowed students to form their own perceptions of the industry, reinforcing their educational choices and career aspirations in mining. In fact, thanks to industry support from companies like Suncor, the University of Alberta’s Mining Engineering Program has seen record enrollment in 2024, reflecting the enthusiasm and confidence of students who see a promising future in mining.

This trip was more than an educational outing—it was a pivotal experience that gave future mining engineers a look into their potential roles, the community they might join, and the innovations driving the industry forward.

Learn more about MIAC.