I just returned from my first two week rotation working at a canadian diamond mine.This is the only environment that I have experianced where a one ton pickup is considered a "light vehical".Some of the haul trucks that are used make a D10 cat look like a tonka toy,V16 engines making 2400 hp,sounds just like a freight train when moving.BTW all pickups were ford diesels ranging in years from 99 to 07 with even a few (about 30) 08's drove in on the ice road last spring.The only chevy on site was a suburban they ran over with one of the haul trucks to show the effect of taking on one with a "light vehical".

just some observations I thought you guys might get a kick out of.

sean

 

I especially like the part where the only Chevy is the one they crushed as an example of what can happen if you dont pay attention while driving amongst those beasts...

 

I ran a car shredder for 10 years so I know a little about the destructability of a vehicle. Funny what people try to do with and how indestructable they think a car is. Our feed crane could reach straight out 65 feet and pick up 8 crushed cars at a time. I've seen the big ore cranes used for Bauxite in Arkansas and Texas. Simply amazing.

 

i too have been around heavy equipment my whole life, and loaded haul trucks for many years with a 992 cat loader. the tires are about 12' tall on this thing.

which diamond mine you working at ? de beers , snap lake ?

 

I'm working at "Diavik" for a electrical contractor that provides as/when service to the operator.First rotation so I still have a lot to learn but am really going to like the two weeks off.The weather up there leaves something to be desired (already had white out conditions)but all in all it was a neat experience.

They are currently mining three kimberlite pipes through open pit methods however they have found another much bigger pipe just beyond the dikes they have installed so they will have to go after that one via a underground route.

 

those are some nasty conditions man !! i personally hate the cold, i cant stand working in it.

 

I lived in Yellowknife for six years so I knew what to expect as far as weather goes but For what they are paying me I can put up with being half frozen all the time.They also let you buy up to three carats of diamonds once a year so I was able to get some pretty nice rocks for my wife at a substantial discount from retail.

 

Maybe we'll see you on an episode of Ice Road Truckers? Those guys can have that job and all the $$ they make doing it!