Mike Olkkonen
Cochrane,Canada
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience at IAMGOLD, excelling in operational efficiency and safety management. Proven track record in process improvement and training, fostering teamwork and enhancing performance. Skilled in performance evaluation and certified in safety protocols, committed to driving success in mining operations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr Supervisor/General Foreperson
IAMGOLD
Gogama, Ontario
06.2025 - Current
- Supervised daily operations and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
- Coordinated training programs for new staff members and existing employees.
- Oversaw scheduling of employees to optimize labor resources effectively.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance overall operational efficiency.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to team members.
- Facilitated communication between departments to resolve operational challenges.
- Developed standard operating procedures for improved task execution consistency.
- Trained new personnel on proper job functions and safety protocols.
- Encouraged teamwork among subordinates by promoting a positive work culture.
- Participated in strategic planning initiatives to improve operations.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders as needed.
- Analyzed data to identify trends or opportunities for improvement.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure completion of projects on time and within budget constraints.
Supervisor, Mine Operations
IAMGOLD
Gogama, Ontario
01.2023 - Current
- Lead and optimize drill and blast activities for improved ore fragmentation and operational efficiency.
- Manage load and haul operations, optimizing equipment utilization and reducing cycle times.
- Manage waste and ore dumps, ensuring proper placement, compaction, and adherence to safety protocols.
- Direct road construction and maintenance to maintain safe and efficient access for mining equipment.
- Establish safety protocols and perform regular audits to guarantee compliance with industry regulations.
- Train and mentor equipment operators to enhance skill development and safety awareness.
- Serve as Relief Senior Supervisor, overseeing multi-department coordination, higher-level decision-making, and shift-wide safety and production performance in the absence of the Senior Supervisor.
- Direct and refine drill and blast operations to optimize ore fragmentation and boost operational efficiency.
- Direct load and haul operations, maximizing equipment efficiency and reducing cycle times.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline operations and reduce delays.
- Coordinated workflow between departments to improve efficiency and communication.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices and procedures.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure adherence to safety standards.
- Manage waste and ore dumps, ensuring proper placement, compaction, and environmental compliance.
- Direct road construction and maintenance projects to maintain safe and efficient access for mining equipment.
- Implement and monitor safety protocols, conducting regular inspections and audits to uphold regulatory standards.
- Train and mentor equipment operators, fostering professional growth, safety awareness, and operational excellence.
Open Pit Supervisor
Newmont
Timmins
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Supervised a team of 26 union employees, ensuring operational efficiency and safety compliance.
- Managed drill pattern organization and mat placement for blasting operations.
- Conducted safety meetings, training sessions, and year-end performance evaluations.
- Resolved maintenance deficiencies and aligned operational priorities.
- Facilitated communication between teams to enhance collaborative efforts on-site.
- Reviewed operational reports to identify areas for process improvement initiatives.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure safe and efficient pit management.
Equipment Operator
Newmont/Goldcorp
Timmins
01.2014 - 12.2019
- Operated and maintained heavy machinery, ensuring safety and efficiency in mine operations.
- Provided safety training and participated in toolbox meetings to enhance workplace safety culture.
- Conducted equipment inspections and reported maintenance needs.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain workflow and meet production goals.
- Assisted in training new operators on equipment use and safety protocols.
- Operated drilling equipment (D65)
- Monitored drill progress and adjusted techniques as needed.
- Documented daily operational activities in logbooks for record-keeping purposes.
Equipment Operator (Lead Hand)
Detour Gold Corporation
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Led ditching, dewatering, and equipment installation projects to improve site operations.
- Served as a Polyethylene Fusion Technician, ensuring high-quality piping installations.
- Operated heavy machinery for earthmoving tasks in mining operations.
- Conducted routine inspections to ensure equipment safety and functionality.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain efficient workflow on site.
- Followed safety protocols to minimize risks during operations.
- Assisted in training new operators on equipment handling procedures.
- Monitored equipment performance and reported issues to supervisors.
Equipment Operator
Chartrand Equipment
01.2009 - 12.2013
- Conducted heavy equipment operations, including grading berms and polyethylene pipe fusion.
- Assisted in safety training sessions and machinery maintenance reporting.
Education
Computer Programmer Analyst -
Canadore College
01.2003
Train the Trainer Certification -
Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology
Skills
- Surface Miner Common Core
- Safety certification for confined spaces
- CPR Level C trained
- Certified fusion specialist
- Fall Protection
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification
- MTCU Supervisor Certificate
- Safety management
- Performance evaluation
- Process improvement
- Training and mentoring
- Operational efficiency
- Problem solving
Affiliations
- Ontario Provincial Police Auxiliary
- Mining Industry Safety Associations
Websites
Certification
- Command for Hauling, Caterpillar Inc., 04/01/24, 04/01/34
- Duly Diligent, Workplace Safety North
- Practise Effective Communication, Workplace Safety North
- Workplace Inspection, Workplace Safety North
- Mine Ventilation, Workplace Safety North
- Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene, Workplace Safety North
- Acts & Regulations, Workplace Safety North
- Incident Investigation, Workplace Safety North
- Manage Employees, Workplace Safety North
- Prepare for Emergencies, Workplace Safety North
Languages
- English, Native
- French, Fluent
Professional Development
- Train the Trainer – Northern College
- Workplace Safety North Training Programs (Mine Safety, Risk Management, Communication)
- Leadership & Supervision Courses
Timeline
Sr Supervisor/General Foreperson
IAMGOLD
06.2025 - Current
Supervisor, Mine Operations
IAMGOLD
01.2023 - Current
Open Pit Supervisor
Newmont
01.2019 - 12.2022
Equipment Operator
Newmont/Goldcorp
01.2014 - 12.2019
Equipment Operator (Lead Hand)
Detour Gold Corporation
01.2013 - 12.2014
Equipment Operator
Chartrand Equipment
01.2009 - 12.2013
Computer Programmer Analyst -
Canadore College
Train the Trainer Certification -
Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology
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