At our Logan operation in the U.S. in response to an extremely competitive labour market, Coronado commenced a red-hat apprentice program to train and develop new miners.
Before they can take the exam to become an experienced (black hat) miner, red-hat trainees must:
- complete a state-mandated 80-hour apprentice class
- work at least 106 shifts
- have six months of underground experience.
Coronado’s Red Hat Program provides significantly more training than is required by law, beginning with a week-long introduction program at the mine site and the assignment of a mentor to each apprentice to guide them through the process.
In 2022, Logan conducted six different apprentice classes with a total of 60 trainees. Of the 60, 42 have completed the apprenticeship, passed their experienced miner exam and are now fully qualified and operational employees. The average age of the trainees is 24 and the majority hail from Logan County and surrounding counties, Wyoming and Mingo. Most of the trainees were referrals by current employees with others coming through local community recruitment processes and technical colleges.
