Dave Sharples named BC’s Mining Person of the Year

1 of 1The Honourable Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines (left) with Dave Sharples, MABC’s 2013 Mining Person of the Year (right). — Photo courtesy MABC.

Every year a very special person is publicly recognized as an outstanding leader in advancing and promoting the mining industry by the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC). This year Dave Sharples, from SMS equipment, received the prestigious honour of Mining Person of the Year for 2013.

According to the MABC, Dave has extensive experience in the mining industry, both in B.C. and globally, having been involved with the industry since 1967. In 2003, Sharples joined Transwest Mining Systems, which became SMS Equipment in 2007, and he remains with SMS Equipment as a business development consultant.

Since joining SMS Equipment, Sharples has become heavily involved in mining industry organizations and is well known in the mining community due to his work with many charitable organizations and fundraising activities. He sits as a director of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame and continues to be an active supporter of BC Mining Week and Mining for Miracles in support of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. He is an active member of the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC) and in the capacity of chair in 2010 led the association through a period of expansion, with increased efforts and initiatives in membership, public awareness and advocacy.

Mining and Exploration sat down with Dave Sharples to talk about what inspires him, his charitable work, and his opinion on the state of the industry.

It is truly an honour to receive this coveted award.

There are a number of highlights during my 45-plus year involvement. However, just being able to participate and hopefully contribute to the resource-based industry is the number one highlight on its own.

I plan to keep contributing whenever and wherever possible. Maybe the day will arrive when that changes, but for now it's full steam ahead. My years with SMS have been very rewarding. I probably would not have received this award without their long term commitment. Bruce Knight, CEO and President, and Mike Granger, Executive VP, are unique individuals and their vision, fortitude and understanding sets the tone for my involvement. I'm sure other industry leaders could learn from their example.

I sit on the CMHF board as a Mining Association of Canada (MAC) member. The appointment provides the opportunity to participate in the selection of outstanding mineral resource individuals whom have made a significant difference to Canada and Canadians for their outstanding contribution to the Canadian Mineral Resource Industry. My personal involvement in the process is a real pleasure in seeing people rewarded for their outstanding efforts.

The BC Children’s Hospital is the B.C. mineral resource industry's charity of choice. Mining for Miracles is the avenue where 100 per cent of the funds flow to the BCCH. Children are our greatest asset and their wellbeing is of utmost importance to every Canadian. One of the most rewarding activities is my involvement in the Hooked on Miracles salmon fishing event held in Tofino. This event has raised over $1.3 million in just three short years. Here again, SMS plays a major role in making this such an resounding success. Please check out hookedonmiracles.ca if you want to learn more.

It is the responsibility of the mineral resource industry to inform all citizens of the scientific and engineered facts we all share in the benefit from the resource based industry here in B.C. Mining is for everyone, whether they know it or not. Our society as we know it today could not function without mining.

Mining practices today are not only responsible from an environmental and sustainable perspective, they are closely monitored through legislated regulations. Industry needs to organize their efforts to inform the media, politicians, bureaucrats and the general public of modern day mining practices and regulations. Modern day mining practices are legislated and tight regulations govern all aspects of today’s industry, from concept through to reclamation and eventual closure.

There are many aspects of our industry that are unknown or misunderstood by Canadians at large and this is partly because our industry has not done a credible job of informing the public of the modern day mining practices that no doubt would receive positive recognition. There is a need to focus efforts in a structured and meaningful fashion that can be easily understood by all parties. It has been my experience that once an individual or group understands the facts about modern day mining practices and the many personal benefits as well benefits to society as a whole, the opinion about the resource based industry takes on a knowledgeable, positive perspective.