Coming home to the mine

South Bar native to manage Donkin site

A South Bar native has been named general manager of the Donkin Mine site.

Kameron Collieries Management Ltd. announced Friday the appointment of Shannon Campbell as its new general manager.

Originally from South Bar, he will be responsible for all supervisory activities of mine operations including community and stakeholder relations.

Campbell is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and Technical University of Nova Scotia with a diploma in applied science and a bachelor of mining engineering, respectively. He has been involved in mining and operations management for 20 years with a track record in site safety, efficiency, strategic planning and organizational change management.

“During all my schooling and project work, I always focused on coal mining. I always had it in my mind that mining in Cape Breton could be a possibility again,” said Campbell.

“I am excited to apply my skills and experience in the mining industry to the Donkin project and play a role in revitalizing coal mining in Cape Breton.”

Campbell has played lead roles on multiple large-scale mining operations across Canada and the United States.

“Not only does Shannon have the skills and experience we need, he is able to move home with his family and have an impact on his community,” said Paul Vining, CEO of the Cline Group.

“I am thrilled to be part of bringing coal mining back to Cape Breton, but I’m also bringing my family home too,” said Campbell. “My children now get to grow up with their cousins and see their family. That is huge for me.”

According to their website, the start of coal production at the mine will be determined by Kameron Collieries, probably later this year.