Mainland Machinery Ltd

Is Your Professional Appearance Keeping You From Mining?

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Professional AppearanceIs Your Professional Appearance Keeping You From Mining?

As it stands, Victoria is the only city in Canada that has laws that prohibit discrimination based on appearance. As a result of these special laws, there have been over a hundred claims filed based on people being rejected for a job because of their weight. There have also been claims based on height, hairstyles and body modifications. Even a person’s body odor has been cause to file a discrimination claim.

Fair or not, these claims are difficult to prove, so it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the job. With regards to things like tattoos and piercing, it might be more of a perception issue than anything else. Could your tattoos be keeping you out of the mining workforce?

Surveys have found that the perception of people with tattoos is that they are somehow “rough around the edges.” Those discreetly placed tattoos that won’t even be revealed in a job interview aren’t the problem. However, it is hard to hide full sleeve, neck or face tattoos.

Body modifications like multiple piercings and ear gauges could also stop recruiters from hiring individuals. Of course, unless the recruiter specifically mentions your body art as the cause, you may never know for sure. Do you want to take that chance?

It may also come down to the type of tattoo that can be seen. Certain tattoos like tear drops and spider webs could often refer to someone with a criminal history. These are often the markings of gang related “trophies.” Tattoos that are overly offensive such as those with nudity or depictions of violence could also be a detriment to getting hired.

Having tattoos does not automatically keep you out of mine operation work. There are sure to be plenty of workers who enjoy getting tattoos. However, what if you decide that you want to advance from your current position? Would the management of your company be accepting of those tattoos?

This isn’t so much an issue for among coworkers; however, it could be when it comes to you dealing with potential clients and vendors. In other words, what might those people think about a person covered in ink and piercings? If there is a chance that they may have a negative connotation associated with your “art work,” then it will be hard for your upper management team to get over that.

What can you do if you have visible tattoos? If you are looking for advancement, then talk to your company’s human resource representative. Be blunt and ask them if your ink is going to hold you back from a promotion. If so, then you might want to think about getting those tattoos removed. What is more important? A tattoo or a good job?

The good news is that tattoo acceptance is gaining ground as more and more people are getting them. This acceptance is probably more widespread among the younger generation. Still, if you’re thinking about adding ink, then you need to be aware of the impact it could have on your future. The best advice is to find a way to keep your tattoos covered.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Keep Your Port Running During a Disaster

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port runningKeep Your Port Running During a Disaster

A comprehensive port security plan is implemented to safeguard what comes in and what goes out of a harbor. These measures include inspections and reviews of a select number of vessel cargos. Inquiries are also made of the crew members as they enter through security checkpoints. These types of procedures can insure a port’s level of security.

However, what happens if an unpredictable disaster strikes? There is no way any port can be 100% protected from events like crippling weather storms, terrorist attacks or ship collisions. These events don’t have to lead to port operations coming to a standstill. Not if you have a viable mobile command center ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

The goal of these mobile command centers (MCC) is to provide a continuation of operations through the use of communication and tracking equipment that can be powered up from any location. A proper MCC will be able to fully integrate into all of a port’s operational systems by literally flipping a switch. Already, these types of MCC units are being deployed in major ports across the globe and they are proving to be a valuable asset.

This past July, the Georgia Ports Authority launched its upgraded mobile command center that was specifically designed to continue port operations in the event of a devastating hurricane. As the past several storm seasons have proven, any port along the eastern coast of America is vulnerable to a direct hit from a major storm. By having a MCC unit in place, port managers can assure the users of their port that cargo will continue to flow with only minor disruptions in the event of a hurricane.

Georgia’s MCC is a 53-foot unit equipped with nearly a dozen computer workstations. There are also onsite security cameras, fully upgraded radios and dispatch consoles. All of the collected data used by the MCC is viewed on the flat-screen televisions that have been custom mounted. All aspects of port operations from issuing payroll to coordinating freight movements can be conducted through this command center. With a cost of $1.5 million, it is a fraction of the billions of dollars’ worth of goods flowing through the port. Fortunately for this port, the bulk of the funds were allocated through a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. When you consider that every day a port sits idle, millions of dollars can be lost, this is clearly a wise investment.

The busy port of Seattle, Washington recently upgraded their mobile command center with an $800,000 vehicle. The unit includes touch screen control panels and a conference seating area capable of accommodating up to six staff members. This MCC can also function as a 911-dispatch center in the event of losing communications with the rest of the city.

These MCCs are meant to be deployed in a wide range of situations including fires, chemical spills or even visits from VIPs that require heightened security. Every port has the responsibility to be prepared for the unexpected. With all the amazing advancements in communication and other forms of technology, there is no excuse for a port to not be ready.

Is your port ready for an emergency? 

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Filling In the Mining Labor Shortage Gaps

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mining labor shortageFilling In the Mining Labor Shortage Gaps

A crisis is looming in the mining industry. No, it’s not centered on environmental impact or fluctuations in the commodities market. What the industry will be facing in a few years is a mining labor shortage.

Currently, the mining industry has around 235,000 workers all across Canada who are on the front lines of exploration, development and mining. However, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) has been crunching the numbers. Within the next ten years, there will be a need for 146,000 new workers to enter the industry, just to keep up with resource demands from customers. That’s good news for the employment market, but not great news for the mining industry that is struggling to find skilled workers to fill the gaps.

Could the answer come from foreign workers helping to fill the demand? That depends on whom you ask.

Recently, a Chinese mining company caused a controversy when it planned to bring over 200 Chinese miners and put them to work at one of their mines in B.C. This plan created opposition from two local unions who challenged the hiring practices in court. Ultimately, the company was allowed to move forward with the hires because they were able to prove that there weren’t enough skilled operators to assume the responsibilities. Try as they might, the unions couldn’t argue with facts.

Due to this situation, there has been a renewed effort on developing proper training programs to expand the ability for Canadians to take up these jobs. In the meantime, the work still needs to be done. Should mines shut down while they wait for workers to finish their classes? This is not a practical solution.

Companies would like to find qualified, long-term, local hires. Unfortunately, the companies facing the shortages, as well as the potential workers will have to be flexible in order to fill open positions. For instance, operations in Alberta’s oil patch actively recruit workers all across the country. Often this will result in workers flying in for a two week shift, then flying back home for their time off.

Although having to endure a large amount of time spent commuting, the willing workers are taking advantage of an opportunity that could certainly lead to financial reward. If the travel heavy job allows them to acquire experience and new skill sets, they could be positioning themselves for advancement within the company or qualifying themselves for a job closer to home. That being said, it makes sense for skilled workers to go where the work is. If you live in downtown Toronto and are not willing to move or travel, you can’t really complain about not finding a mining job.

In addition to a push for training programs, the government plans to make changes in its foreign worker program. These include charging higher fees for applications and compelling companies to pay foreign workers the same rates as local hires. This way you can’t argue that Canadian mine operators are being undercut by the industry.

The company Taseko Mines Ltd, is about to start a new mining operation in central B.C. They’ve proudly announce that they have no plans to hire short-term foreign workers. Of course, they also acknowledge that of the 600 resumes they have on file, there is no guarantee those applicants will have the necessary skills.

The takeaway from all of this? If you’re looking for a dependable career, start training for a job in the mining industry. When you’re finished with your certification, a job could be waiting for you. 

Mainland Machinery Ltd

The Fair Rail Freight Service Act

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Fair RailThe Fair Rail Freight Service Act

Are you familiar with Bill C-52? This is the Fair Rail Freight Service Act that was recently passed into Canadian law. The goal of the act was to improve rail service for any business that depends on the railways for their logistics. According to the law publications, here is how the lawmakers framed the bill’s objectives:

  • “Give freight shippers the right to enter into service agreements with railway companies and establish an arbitration process in the event of a dispute between a shipper and a railway company regarding such an agreement;
  • Streamline administrative procedures related to air transportation;
  • Update certain provisions related to the administration of the Act.”

How would this new bill be put into practical application for your shipping? Especially when you deliver large goods across the country?

Consider the canola industry. This segment of the agriculture industry depends greatly on rail service to transport massive amounts of seed, oil, and meal to the export processing depots. Without reliable rail service, the supply chain of this industry could collapse and it wouldn’t take much disruption to bring everything to a halt. Because of this, the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) were one of the leading advocates on getting this bill passed into law.

For too long, poor rail service across Canada has impeded growth for many companies. With the implementation of this bill, they are eager to see if the changes will have a lasting impact on their bottom line.

One of the key components of Bill C-52 is the ability for shippers to secure a service agreement. These agreements should spell out, in no uncertain terms, what is expected of the rail agency in regards to shipment protection and delivery deadlines. These agreement will also include a clause that will activate an arbitration process if there is a failure on either the part of the rail company or the individual businesses to finalize the agreement.

What is crucial to make a bill like this work is the penalty for poor performance. As indicated in Bill C-52, there could be fines of up to $100,000 charged against the rail agents for any case in which they drop the ball on a service agreement. Given some past occurrences, this could be a very costly clause if the railways don’t get their acts together. Will they pay the fines, improve service, or find ways around Bill C-52? Only time will tell.

To insure that the bill is being applied as it should, objective third party representatives will need to step in to monitor the situation. All of these work methods will come under intense scrutiny during the mandatory Canada Transportation Act review. This will happen next year and should shed light on all the areas that could benefit from improvement in the years to come. Hopefully, the railways will score high marks if they embrace Bill C-52 as a better way of doing business. 

Mainland Machinery Ltd

The Supply Chain of Recruiting Talent

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Recruiting TalentThe Supply Chain of Recruiting Talent

In large companies, the pressure is on the human resources department to hire the best and the brightest. After all, a company is only as strong as its weakest staff member. There is a plethora of recruiting software programs available to savvy HR staff members that don’t require an IT degree to figure out and operate.

However, they do need to know that plugging in resumes sent from online job boards won’t be enough to secure the quality hires. Instead, the human resources team has to be proactive and apply a little supply chain logistics to their hiring process.

Anticipating a Company’s Needs

Supply chain logistics can be looked at as the end-to-end path that a product takes from manufacturing to arriving in the customers’ hands. During the manufacturing phase, there is a lot of planning and coordination required for efficient delivery of services or products. It begins with the acquisition of raw materials, to the hiring of workers, to the shipment of the completed product. From start to finish, the system needs to be smoothly executed.

In terms of recruiting talent, the chain doesn’t end when the position is filled and the contract is signed. Like the supply chain, employee hiring is always in motion. Staffing personnel have to anticipate what the company’s needs will be like moving forward. For instance, if there is a particular position with a high turnover rate, it would be in the company’s best interest to have a selection of qualified candidates standing by. This will allow you to fill the position as quickly as possible. It may also be helpful to take a closer look at the specific duties and work environment of that position. Hopefully with some research you can find out what in particular is leading to the high rate of employee members resigning from that role.

Embrace Automation

The most qualified workers can afford to be picky about their next job. That is why they will often overlook a good position at first glance. The goal for an HR executive is to capture the interest of high value prospects from the start. Automated programs can help you categorize your database so that you’re only focusing on the perfect fit for the company.

Create a HR prospect database that can keep track of potential quality hires. You can also run targeted campaigns to maintain peoples’ view of your company and brand, making you top of mind as a potential employer.  There are many ways that a recruiter can reach out to prospective quality employees through automated communications. You can automatically send news of a job opening directly to your prospects or distribute branded newsletters. In doing this, you can also personalize your message to each individual, making it personal and hopefully leaving them with a positive impression of your company.

Hire the Best Recruiters

If they aren’t already, all of the above-mentioned tips for recruiting talent can be put into place in your company. However, there would still be a learning curve required to familiarize your HR department with these new techniques; especially in regards to applicant tracking software programs. This is why it is imperative that you hire the best recruiters possible.

Talent management is essential to a company’s success. If a company tries to cut corners with their human resource staff, then they will be doing the business a great disservice. A recruiter who is already proficient in these methods should be your first new hire. The other option is to go outside the company for your recruitment. Hiring a service that specializes in staffing will insure you’re getting the sharpest HR reps available.

Having a strong recruiter working for or with your company will help ensure you’re hiring the best talent.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Ports That Embrace Renewable Energy Save Big

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renewable energyPorts That Embrace Renewable Energy Save Big

Going green isn’t just for homeowners who recycle their weekly papers, plastics, and aluminum soda cans. Improved energy efficiency is an important issue at major ports across the globe. At many of these ports, outdated land-based power grids aren’t keeping up with the increased demand of the cargo flow. There is also the environmental impact to consider, as carbon-emitting fuels are proving to be a detriment to the surrounding areas and to the planet at large.

Residents who live within sight of these ports are demanding better accountability and the port managers are listening. Even though implementing energy efficient policies is good for public relations, they are also proving to be important factors in supporting a port’s overall financial plan. Saving energy equals saving money and that’s good for everyone in the shipping industry.

Right now, most ports are looking into the issue of sustainability as it applies to their facilities. There are many studies being conducted and plans being looked into. There are already a handful of ports that are taking the lead in regards to cost-cutting measures.

An example of a port that has been proactive is the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. They’ve been focused on reducing their energy consumption for quite some time. Their goal has been to cut back on carbon-emissions across the board on all of its facilities. This includes all the busy bridges, tunnels, and bus terminals under its responsibility. Thanks to their renewable energy policies, the port has achieved the ability to profit from some of its 250 electricity accounts by utilizing online reverse auctions. The estimated savings totals approximately $2.2 million. Imagine if you could sell energy back to the power company?

On the opposite coast, the Port of Seattle upgraded their port management facilities at Pier 69 and earned an Energy Star rating for improved energy efficiency. The project, started in 2000, managed to reduce energy use by 50 percent. At Terminal 46, the out-of-date flood lamps were swapped out for energy efficient sodium vapor lamps. These two programs combined saved the port around $300,000 a year in energy costs.

At the South Jersey Port, there is a plan on the table to install up to 1.1 million square feet of solar panels across all of their terminals. Once implemented, this array can generate up to 10 million kilowatt hours of energy every year. Furthermore, these panels will continue to produce power utilizing the free resource of the sun, as long as it continues to shine.

Here in Canada, the Toronto Port Authority has put forth a commitment to utilize 100% green power. They are partnering with Bullfrog Power to accomplish this goal. Bullfrog Power derives all of its energy from such renewable sources as wind power and hydroelectric facilities. As a result of their efforts, they have been certified as low impact from the EcoLogo program sponsored by Environment Canada.

How “green” is your port?

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Best Places for a Mining Education in Canada

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mining education in canadaBest Places for a Mining Education in Canada

In the early days of the mining industry, workers got valuable, on the job training from operators already well versed in the career and industry. As an apprentice, you could learn skills across many different sectors of a mining operation. Today, advances in technology have created even more opportunities to work in the mining industry beyond manual labor.

There is also a growing need for management positions to be filled at operations all around the world. If you’re looking into a career in mining, then you’ll first want to build a solid educational foundation. Here in Canada there are 10 universities and 25 community colleges that provide courses covering all aspects of the mining industry.

If you’re not sure which specific field you want to go into, it might be helpful to start at the community college level. That way you can sample many courses to see what would be the perfect fit for your mining career. The following are lists of programs and institutions you may want to consider if you’re interested in furthering a mining education.

Mining and Mineral Engineering

As a mining engineer, you’ll be on the frontline of an operation as you focus on the design and actual construction of a mine. You’ll also be involved in the creation of the surrounding support facilities that will handle the extraction processing. These campuses offer degree programs in this field:

Metallurgical Engineering

A metallurgical engineer is focused on what happens after the metals and ores are extracted from the mine. You’ll be working on making improvements in the processing machinery and developing new ways to refine mineral commodities. Check out these campuses for a degree in this area:

Geological Engineering

If you like to travel, this is the ideal job. As a geological engineer, you’ll be researching areas that hold the potential for new mine operations. This could mean surveying in some very remote locations. It can also mean some very thrilling adventures. Here are the universities that offer this program:

Mining Operations

This is where you’ll have the ability to develop skills for the actual labor operations of a mine. You’ll get a crash course in equipment operation and the various types of jobs, from blasters to diamond drillers to prospectors. This is also a program that will put you in the field for an apprenticeship program. In other words, you’ll be learning skills and getting paid at the same time. Check out these training facilities:

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Tackling the Fracking Misconceptions

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fracking misconceptionsTackling the Fracking Misconceptions

Fracking refers to a technique used to extract natural resources from deep supplies  in shale deposits. It is also a term that has come to symbolize further misconceptions about the oil industry. Although many people are familiar with the term, they have very little understanding of what fracking is all about.

In fact, a recent public opinion poll found that in America, upwards of 74% of the population has no idea about what fracking is and how it works. Even still, that hasn’t stopped the drumbeat of the supposed dangers associated with this process. As someone who works in the oil industry, you may find yourself on the firing line to defend fracking if it comes up in social situations. Here are some suggestions about what you could say regarding these common fracking misconceptions:

“Fracking is polluting our water supply.”

We get most of our drinking water from tables that are just a couple of hundred feet below the surface. Fracking doesn’t happen until the pipes hit around several thousands of feet below the surface. To get to the precious resources, the drills must pass through solid rock. Down in the Bakken Formation, the drills are hitting depths of over 10,000 feet.

Then there is the issue of well casings. There are at least four layers of heavy steel and cement between the resources being extracted and the outside elements of the shaft. Before anything is drawn up to the extraction points, the casings are firmly planted in cement, which adds another layer of protection for the water tables.

Here’s another fun fact that most people aren’t aware of, some form of fracking has been in operation since 1940. Since then, millions of wells have incorporated this process. If this process was polluting our drinking supply we would have heard about it long ago.

“Fracking wastes water.”

Check the numbers. When compared to the amount of water used for coal mines or at nuclear power plants, you’ll find that fracking uses less water. Couple that with the increased use of recycling at fracking sites and you’ll find that fracking isn’t wasting very much water at all.

“Fracking creates toxins that seep into the soil.”

That’s odd when you consider that 99% of the fluid pumped into the fracking wells is water. The compounds added to the water are sand and common household chemicals. There is plenty of data that has broken down the chemical components of the fluids found around fracking site. Despite the hype, none of these compounds have proven to be an environmental concern.

“Fracking creates earthquakes.”

According to representatives from the US Geological Survey that simply isn’t true. On the other hand, wastewater disposal wells have been directly linked to causing mild earthquakes. Is there a cry for those wells to be shut down? Actually, that issue can be resolved by taking those wells out of earthquake zones and reducing the amount of water injected into them.

Now if someone brings up the horrors of fracking, you’ll be ready to set them straight.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Leadership Skills for the Port Manager

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port managerLeadership Skills for the Port Manager 

Every decision you make as a senior port manager should be an informed one. When presented with a problem, you’ll want to look at all the facts and possible solutions. You may even want to get advice and opinions from the staff before making your final call. Is there something that you’re leaving out? What is your “gut” telling you about this decision? You might think that managing a port is no time for intuition or “gut feelings.” However, applying something called intuitive intelligence can greatly enhance your entire decision making process.

There are certain situations where you could benefit the most from utilizing intuitive intelligence. One of these would be during a crisis. As a port manager, you need to respond quickly, before the matter gets out of hand. There are also problems that bring together opposing forces, making it hard to resolve the matter without sounding as if you’re contradicting yourself. Then there is the problem that’s easy to get stuck on. In these situations, when things are a mess from the start, you are required to spring into action.

How can you apply intuitive intelligence in your role as port manager? Consider this five-step process:

 Step 1: Get Focused

As the problem is presented, you’ll want to take a moment to get focused. Think of yourself as a black belt karate expert who has to break a board with his hand. Before the strike, all your concentration is focused on that board and in shutting out the rest of the world. Using your intuition means being able to clear your head of noise and judgment. Don’t try to make sense of the problem in this moment, just take it in. You don’t have to go off for an hour to accomplish this. It really can happen in a few seconds.

 Step 2: Look at the Big Picture

There are a lot of moving parts involved when solving any port problem. Before pulling the trigger on your decision, take a moment to step back and see the big picture. You need to focus in order to sort through the clutter in your mind and find pertinent information. You might already have the answer you’re looking for based on a report you read weeks ago. Maybe a few moments staring at the Google Earth snapshot of your port will do the trick.

Step 3: Declare Your Purpose

Obviously, you want to solve the problem at hand. However, you need to dig deeper when calling upon your intuition. Solving a problem can have a ripple effect all across the port. You need to declare, in no uncertain terms, what your objective is in making this decision. Once that is “set in stone,” you’ll find your gut instincts kicking in.

Step 4: Use Your Moral Compass

You know what is right and wrong. When you engage your intuition, you’ll be depending on your moral compass to help you make those calls. Of course, you need to clarify your values as they relate to your leadership, before a crisis crops up. That way you’ll clearly know what extent you should trust your intuition, in regards to your final decision.

Step 5: Pull the Trigger

After you’ve assessed the situation and listened to your intuition, you need to pull the trigger on your decision. This has to be done with a firm resolve so that there will be no doubt amongst your staff about what they are to do. This is where genuine leadership comes into play and it will be your chance to prove yourself.

 

 

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Crop Interseeder Machinery Saves Time and Money

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interseeder machineryCrop Interseeder Machinery Saves Time and Money 

As with any other type of industry, time is money on the farm. This is especially true when it comes to putting down cover crops. With grain harvests occurring later each year, many farmers are finding it a challenge to maximize the benefits of a shorter growing season. With cover crops, a farmer can revitalize a field; however, it has to be practical in terms of time and energy spent on the process. This is when interseeding can become a very attractive option.

The concept is simple, in a single pass that incorporates other needed planting functions, interseeder machinery is meant to plant a cover crop, just below the standing crop canopy. When put to the test, researchers at Penn State University (PSU) have discovered that an interseeder tool can simultaneously accomplish three jobs. The best use of the interseeder is for crops that will be planted on 30″ rows. These crops should also incorporate double-disk drill openers that are situated at intervals of 7.5″. While this special planting is going on, farmers can spread postemergence herbicides, in addition to laying down sidedress nitrogen through a high-pressure stream that will float about 4″ above the planting row.

What will all this mean for the average farmers’ bottom line? Those same researchers calculate that anywhere from $20 to $30 an acre can be saved in labor and fuel costs. Thanks to this interseeding process, farmers are able to smoothly plant in fields containing heavy corn residue with a single, efficient machine pass.

Over at Hagie Manufacturing, the design techs have been working diligently on a high-clearance interseeder attachment. To date, the engineers have created two workable systems. The first is an air boom interseeder that has the solution tank swapped out with an 80 cubic feet dry box. The boom is outfitted with specially designed tubing that allows for an even flow just beneath the corn crop canopy. The air boom design can be modified to fit on a 60′ or 90′ boom.

In the second system, the patented Hagie nitrogen toolbar is used with seeding attachments that utilize rolling baskets for the seed. This retrofitted attachment measures around 40′ wide. So far, the researchers have put their machinery to the test by planting high yielding fields of radishes, ryegrass and sudangrass.

The other component required of successful interseeding is to get the timing right. The key is to plant before winter sets in, but not so early as to affect the corn crop. According to the test fields, the best time for interseeders is when corn has hit the V5 growth height (5 – 6 corn leaves with collars).

The researchers have used the interseeder as late as mid-September with very encouraging results. Another major consideration is the specific choice of crop. Varieties of ryegrass and clover have proven to embrace the heat and shade beneath the corn and provide decent fall growth.

Interseeding is just one example of the many agriculture innovations that are helping farmers get the most from their fields. Depending on the area, it may require a little trial and error before you can find the perfect crop cycle. However, the rewards could be substantial, so it is definitely something to investigate further.