What do you know about copper mining?

Kevin serves as a union officer and a shop steward who represents workers and defends their rights.

“I fight for the rights of my union brothers and sisters, make sure that the company and my brothers and sisters are both holding up their end of the bargain and are playing by the rules.”

He works at the Ray copper mine as a diesel electrician repairing enormous diesel-electric haul trucks. Propelled by an electric drive system, basically a power plant on wheels, Kevin is fascinated by the colossal vehicles. Built to haul massive loads of ore and rock, the trucks serve as the backbone of the mining industry.

Proud to work in a unique field, Kevin wants others to understand what it’s like. Very few people ever get to step inside a mine to see what actually goes on, and may not be aware that miners are extremely knowledgeable and highly trained. Because safety is a priority in a mine, every miner must comply with mine safety and health regulations. Not only do they need to know how to work safely in a rough environment, but they also need to understand environmental issues and air quality regulations and procedures. Something as simple as neglecting to wear a respirator can result in silicosis, a fatal lung disease caused by silica dust.

A skilled mechanic like Kevin doesn’t deal with small parts in a mine. If a worker drops something, somebody is going to get killed. They know that if a miner makes a mistake, they might not be going home.

 “Think about what it’s like to be on a haul truck removing a part that may weigh 5,000 or 10,000 pounds, and another guy is on a forklift 30 feet away from you holding the part up. One mistake from him and you're going to get smashed.”  

Every miner is well aware of the importance of work safety in a dangerous environment, regardless of their job title. They develop bonds that are rare at other workplaces. It’s those strong relationships that help build the spirit of brother and sisterhood that binds union members together.