In an industry as diverse as mining, it is no surprise that we have been introduced to people with different backgrounds, different jobs and even different futures through our “Meet Your Miners” series. There are those who have always wanted to work in mining; there are others who simply found it a good fit. Rochelle Smith of Florida Canyon Mine found mining to be the fit she needed, and we invite you to read her story and meet another great Nevada miner.

Smith has been working in the industry for more than 10 years now. Through a series of steps that led her here, she has become something of a rennaissance woman. She began her career in the mining industry with placement by S.O.S. Staffing as a laborer for American Asphalt at Gold Canyon Mine in Elko, Nevada. In her time with American Asphalt she learned to run various types of equipment.

She then worked for Robison Mine in Ely, Nevada as a mill maintenance mechanic on the survey crew as well as putting in time in the office, completing work orders. After arriving at Florida Canyon Mine, she found her true calling driving a haul truck.

“I really enjoy running equipment, getting my hands dirty,” said Smith. “But I think what I like most about anything I do is being able to see the end result, knowing I had a hand in completing the project.”

Smith noted that safety is always priority number one in whatever she does. Whether running a haul truck, loader or other piece of heavy machinery, her number one priority is always donning necessary personal protective equipment required of each task. But it isn’t an all-work-and-no-play scenereo for Smith.

“I am fortunate to have a great group of people to work with,” said Smith. “They make the job fun and exciting. Without others to work with, it’s easy to fall into a routine – there’s no room for that in mining. You always have to be on your toes. Having people I enjoy working with keeps me entertained and consequently safe.”

Beyond the enjoyment Smith gets fromher coworkers, she likes others to know that she is dependable. Her ability to pay attention not only to her own safety, but also the safety of others while on the mine site, is paramount. She is thankful for what she has been able to accomplish because of the opportunities given to her by mining, on-the-job training being one of them.

“It has given me the opportunity to explore so many different aspects of mining, including working in the mill, running a dozer, operating a loader, working on the leach pad and, of course, driving a truck!”