My second week of work started off Monday with the expectation on my part that I would receive underground induction training. However, that plan was quickly halted as my supervisor and the head geologist pulled me aside. I am officially banned from the underground mine, due to the fact that mercury exists in vapor form underground and I am pregnant. I was hugely disappointed and also felt excessively guilty that I did not forewarn my supervisor of the pregnancy part, but they were extremely nice about the whole thing. I had no idea it would be such a big deal ... I guess that Barrick is playing on the side of caution. Even if there is not imminent danger, the possibility exists for mercury exposure and they would rather not have the possibility of it harming me or more specifically the baby.
So while everyone else trained, I hung around the office and read some geology papers. The week rapidly improved towards the end, when I was shown how to log chips. At least I could feel semi-productive! And I will get open pit hydrology / geology exposure throughout the summer, so I won't miss out on everything. It's still hard to be left behind when everyone else is going underground!
All in all, I am thankful I still have a job, excellent coworkers, and a great learning opportunity. I worked Tuesday - Saturday, so I even got an extra 10 hours this week. And my supervisor is happy to let me work as much as I want to, so that will be good for the bank account, especially considering our current financial circumstances! There are blessings even in the disappointments, and I think it will be a good summer after all.
I went up to Lamoille Canyon again to visit and found lots of snow and sunshine, so I hiked up next to a waterfall and hung out for a little bit reading my book. It was a beautiful afternoon!
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