Yukon geologist receives lifetime achievement award for mineral exploration

Yukon's Susan Craig was awarded the Gold Pan Award for "exceptional meritorious service to the mineral exploration community" fromthe Association for Mineral Exploration in B.C a group that represents and advocates for members who are involved in mineral exploration.

Every year, at the Mineral Exploration Roundup, the B.C. and Yukon mining industry recognizes one of its own for a lifetime of work. This year, a Yukoner was recognized at the annual Awards Celebration of Excellence Gala Wednesday.

"I feel very honoured," said Craig.

Craig says working with small communities and First Nations has beenone of the highlights in her career in exploration and mine development.

"I've lived in small communities and know how important it is, especially when someone comes in, and wants to do something in your community," said Craig, who said community engagement is key in this field.

"That makes all the difference in the world."

Craig is an advocate of responsible development and the engagement of First Nations, for which she was awarded the Yukon Chamber of Mines Member's award in 2012. She founded Northern Freegold Ltd.

Beforethat, she was the land and environmental manager at NovaGold Resources where she was able to work on the Galore Creek Project in B.C. She's currently the directorof government affairs and community relations for AuRico Gold and serves on several mining boards in the Yukon and in B.C.

"I've had so many people say to me, 'What's your secret Sue?'" said Craig. "There is no secret. Just imagine this project's in your backyard. What would you like to know?"

• First grads from Yukon geoscience program face uncertain prospects
• Mineral exploration spending expected to plummet this year in Nunavut, Yukon

But she said she believes the mining industry has "come a long way," and that there are now more opportunities for Yukon's youth to enter the field.

"There's a whole host of opportunities out there... We'd definitely like to be able to hire local people and put young Yukoners to work."

Craig is back in the Yukon to work on a new project with Metallic Minerals Corp. as its executive vice president

"I've learned and heard so many wonderful stories about the Yukon. Again, I love the rocks, but I probably like the other part [of my job] more."

• Drilling for entry-level jobs in Yukon mining
• Yukon deploys 'dreamcatcher' to map territory's mineral deposits