Richard Trudeau, who is MAMI’s Vice-President and who has spent his entire 41-year career in the mining industry with Hudbay, is hanging up his miner’s hat at the end of June.
Trudeau began with Hudbay in 1983 in an engineering role, then systematically moved into more senior positions. He became a mine manager, responsible for a number of locations in Flin Flon and Snow Lake, was promoted to the Director of Health and Safety, Indigenous and External Affairs before being appointed to his current role as Director of Human Resources Indigenous and External Affairs.
Rob Carter had this to say about his Hudbay colleague, “It has been an honour working alongside Richard, whose exceptional commitment is evidenced by his remarkable tenure in mine rescue operations. His professionalism, dedication, and passion for supporting northern communities, truly distinguish him.”
One of the biggest changes Trudeau has seen over the years is the enhanced emphasis on mine safety and one of his most significant memories is linked to that. Many years ago, Trudeau was part of the Flin Flon mine rescue team that was called out to a fully engulfed scooptram fire underground where the drifts were totally filled with smoke and visibility was zero. Trudeau says the teams, following mine rescue protocol and training, made their way to the fire, extinguished it and assisted the miners in the refuge station to the surface.
Richard recalls, “It was a scary situation but at the same time I will always remember the look of relief on the miners faces when mine rescue arrived. When I got home that night my kids gave me a big hug and told me that they heard that ‘we saved a bunch of people’ …that was really gratifying.”
Ian Cooper is a retired Hudbay manager. “I remember a few times workers coming up to me and talking about Richard, telling me he always took the time, no matter what, to welcome them to the mine and give them a tour. Richard you are very respected for your leadership by example as well as being considerate of those around you.”
Richard says he will most miss the men and women he has worked with over the years, “Especially how hard Hudbay’s team worked to navigate both COVID and the transition of our operations and of course the rescue teams over the years which will always have a special place in my heart.“
Richard joined MAMI in 2012 and has been a steadfast leader of the organization that has been around since 1940. He will end his tenure in the role of vice-president.
Stacy Kennedy, MAMI President, she says while she and Richard work at different mines, he has been an amazing mentor and friend, “I have valued every conversation, every minute in his presence as his input, wisdom, support and experience has been invaluable.”
Richard has these words of advice for young people embarking on a career in the industry, “One thing I learned is to accept each opportunity and challenge, and never say ‘I don’t think I can do it’. “ He added, “The times you succeed at new opportunities outweighs the failures you had along the development path.”
Richard plans to spend his retirement in northern Manitoba, enjoying its beautiful lakes and wilderness. But he won’t be too far away, as he’ll be keeping track of our annual mine rescue competitions and hopes to be in Fernie, B.C when our provincial team faces the best nationally on September 5 & 6.
From MAMI and the mining community, all the very best Richard!