People & Places
Allyson Stoll, Project Metallurgist, Red Dog Operations
Brian Bisset, Senior Mine Technician, Elkview Operations
Calgary, Alberta, Janais Turuk, Manager, Community Relations, Calgary office
Arequipa, Peru, Juana Rosa Del Castillo, General Manager, Zafranal Project
/
Allyson Stoll
Project Metallurgist
Red Dog Operations
When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?
I started with Red Dog Operations in June 2011.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
I currently work on mill improvement projects, such as grinding circuit optimization, utilizing acoustic monitoring and advanced process control systems, and I provide technical support to other projects like the VIP2 mill expansion at Red Dog Operations.
What is your favourite part about your job?
I love that I get to make visible, felt improvements to operations through assisting in the training of operators and other engineers, and completing projects to make processes and tasks safer and more efficient.
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck to date?
I was given the opportunity to participate in the MOP mill expansion commissioning at Highland Valley Copper in 2014. The whole experience was challenging, but everyone on the team was very welcoming and helpful. I learned a lot and had a chance to not only contribute to another operation but also to prove myself technically.
What is your favourite activity outside of work, and why?
Right now, it’s listening to records with my husband. We’ve recently started collecting and have been listening to everything we’ve found or been recommended. I’m constantly looking for suggestions.
Brian Bisset
Senior Mine Technician
Elkview Operations
When did you start at the company and at which site/office?
I began at Line Creek in 2010 in operations before moving to my current role at Elkview.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
I work in engineering as a long range planner, but part of my education was the study of photogrammetry so—35 years later—when I saw that drones were being used for video work on site, I thought why not introduce photogrammetric surveying to our sites.
What is your favourite part about your job?
The future of the technology we are working with is exciting. New hardware and software costs less than its predecessor and can be used the majority the time to produce the same or better results—it really doesn’t get any better than that.
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck to date?
I introduced Teck Coal to the use of drones for surveying, and since that time, the use of drones has quite literally taken off. Teck’s willingness to develop and ultimately embrace innovation is phenomenal, and to be a part of this culture of change is very gratifying.
What is your favourite activity outside of work?
Photography mostly [see some of Brian’s work in ‘A Picture is Worth 1000 Words]. I also enjoy watching rugby, and a bit of strategic gaming to keep the mind and reflexes sharp.
Calgary, Alberta
Janais Turuk
Manager, Community Relations
Calgary office
What is the city’s point of pride?
For me, the area’s point of pride are the Rocky Mountains, which are approximately one hour drive west of Calgary. Winter or summer, there are many alpine activities and the scenery still takes my breath away.
Is there anything the city is famous for?
The Calgary Stampede, of course—the largest outdoor show on earth!
What is the city’s best-kept secret?
Village Ice Cream; it’s made locally in small batches.
What is your favourite restaurant in the city?
Char Bar, in East Village. It specializes in local, sustainable ingredients.
What is a typical weekend like there?
A typical weekend in Calgary and region is active—summer or winter, we’re an outdoor city and we take advantage of many different activities throughout the city and in the region. Calgary does a great job of supporting many festivals, arts, cultural and recreation activities—there is an activity for any taste and for any budget.
Arequipa, Peru
Juana Rosa Del Castillo
General Manager, Zafranal Project
What is the area’s point of pride?
In 2000, UNESCO declared the Historical Centre of Arequipa a World Heritage site. As described by UNESCO, the Historical Centre of Arequipa was built using volcanic sillar rock and represents the integration of European and native building techniques. This combination of influences is illustrated throughout the city’s robust walls, archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces, and the intricate Baroque decoration of its facades.
Is there anything the area is famous for?
Arequipa is famous not only for its ancient heritage but also for its natural landscape, such as the Colca Canyon, a deep river canyon and a habitat for the giant Andean condor.
What is the best-kept secret in the area?
Arequipa is one of the best places in Peru to eat guinea pig; it is one of the area’s delicacies.
What is your favourite restaurant in the community?
The cuisine of Arequipa is very rich in flavour and is a fusion of Peruvian and Spanish food. La Benita in the Characato district is a traditional Peruvian “picanterías” restaurant.
What is a typical weekend like there?
Locals have strong religious beliefs, so attending mass early on Sundays is part of a typical weekend, along with lunching with family or camping in the countryside.
