A distant view of a pocket of Luce Pit, IOC, Labrador City

Living the plan

Meet Julia, one of our graduates living on the frontlines of mine planning

Last updated: 16 June 2025

 

My name is Julia and I’m a short-term planner at the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) here in Labrador City in Canada.

My job is to bridge the gap between strategic, mid-term planning and day-to-day operational execution. This means I build the sequences of activities for drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling to meet production targets while staying adaptable to the shifting realities of a live mining site.

Julia a graduate from Labrador standing in front of a yellow mining truck.

I get to see my plans come to life every single day. Of course, things don’t always go as planned.

And that’s been one of my biggest lessons — that perfection isn’t the goal, flexibility is.

I get to see my plans come to life every single day. Of course, things don’t always go as planned.

And that’s been one of my biggest lessons — that perfection isn’t the goal, flexibility is.

In school, I was used to structured environments where success was measured by grades. Here, I’ve learned that plans are a snapshot in time, and adaptability is what really drives success. Through constant feedback and real-time problem-solving, I’ve grown more confident in asking “why” and more comfortable with making — and learning from — mistakes.

Julia a graduate from Labrador operations
I’ve had the chance to take on real challenges from day one, supported by mentors who genuinely want me to succeed. I’m not just watching from the sidelines — I’m in the thick of it, contributing, iterating, and improving every day.

The graduate program has laid a strong foundation for my professional growth.

I’ve had the chance to take on real challenges from day one, supported by mentors who genuinely want me to succeed. I’m not just watching from the sidelines — I’m in the thick of it, contributing, iterating, and improving every day.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being at the centre of it all — working with geology, survey, operations and maintenance teams to solve complex problems. Whether it’s revising a plan due to a major equipment breakdown or adjusting a design on the fly, I’m constantly learning. The collaboration is intense and fast-paced, and that’s what keeps it exciting.

Working as a FIFO, or fly-in fly-out, worker at IOC in Labrador City has shaped me in unexpected ways. It’s remote, yes — but that means I’m right on site, living the plan I create. The feedback is instant, and the learning is hands-on. It’s also given me a tight-knit community of peers and friends who’ve made the transition from city life not just manageable, but genuinely meaningful. I’ve built strong friendships here; ones I know will last a lifetime!

If you're someone who thrives on problem-solving, values teamwork, and wants a career where no 2 days are ever the same, I can’t recommend this path enough. Mining is so much more than people think. It’s not just about moving material — it’s about optimization, innovation and pushing boundaries.