CORAL HARBOUR/RANKIN INLET - The first step towards a new occupation was taken this past week by four Kivalliq students.

Instructor Marcel (Big Face) Tremblay has Kivalliq mining students Raymond Mercer Jr., Roland Nakoolak, Mark Pootoolik and Ray Pudlat, from left, in a scoop bucket during underground training in Val-d'Or, Que., earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Richard Connelly

Raymond Mercer Jr. of Rankin Inlet and Roland Nakoolak, Mark Pootoolik and Ray Pudlat of Coral Harbour returned to the Kivalliq after completing their first round of training in Val-d'Or, Que.

The training came about as the result of Sarliaq Holdings Ltd. - a 100 percent Inuit-owned company based in Rankin - partnering with CMAC-THYSSEN Mining Group Inc.

CMAC is an international underground contractor specializing in the manufacture of equipment and labour-force development in Val d'Or.

The two partnered in mid-2010 to explore the future of underground mining in the Kivalliq.

Sarliaq's goal is to out-source training opportunities for its Inuit and potential employees, leading to employment directly, or indirectly, related to mining. CMAC human resource director Julie Turgeon said the Kivalliq men are doing well in their training. She said the men are interested in what they're doing and that shows in their efforts.

"The first two weeks of their classroom training went really well, they've been underground, and they've handled the physical work well," said Turgeon.

"They have shown good potential to be miners."

While there is no national mine-training standard, the safety training the four Kivalliq men are receiving is the standard mandatory module for working in underground mines in Quebec and Ontario.

Mercer, 32, said he decided to take the training because he needed a change in career. He said the training's been a good experience.

"Going underground was a little different than what I expected," said Mercer.

"I thought it would be brighter and not so hot, but it wasn't too bad.

"We were down about 2,000 feet and it was dark and really, really hot. The instructors let us know what to expect, but you have to experience it."

Mercer said the four will rotate back down south to work for CMAC until the Meliadine mine project gets underway in Rankin.

He said they'll gain as much underground experience as they can while waiting for the Rankin mine.

"Hopefully, once Meliadine gets going, it will be full-steam ahead for us. We hope to do a lot of different things in Quebec so we can bring that experience back to the Kivalliq."

Nakoolak, 35, said he was excited about taking the course, although he didn't know what to expect.

He said being underground was different than what he expected.

"I was kind of scared about going that deep, and a little worried about cave-ins, but it looks pretty safe down there," said Nakoolak.

"I really enjoyed the course, which was all new to me, and I'm looking forward to returning.

"I also have my eyes on the Meliadine project and I'm looking forward to getting a job there once it's going."

Nakoolak said those in Coral who knew he was taking the course were happy for him.

He said he's confident he made the right decision to take the course.

"It's going to be a good career and I'm looking forward to it.

"We're enjoying some time in Coral now and then continue with the program."

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