Image: Britannia Mine Museum

British Columbia’s Britannia Mine Museum has announced a C$3 million ($2.1 million) donation over three years from Wheaton Precious Metals to establish the Wheaton Precious Metals Modern Mining Education Centre. 

The Education Centre will introduce students from elementary through post-secondary, as well as the general public, to the modern mining industry through new hands-on learning and training opportunities. 

The purpose-built space will support immersive, practical experiences, while upgrades to the Machine Shop and surrounding infrastructure will preserve the historical site and enhance safety, Britanna said in a news release.

The Education Centre will also enable the Museum to double its dedicated educational spaces to meet growing demand. 

The Caterpillar 793 Haul Truck, donated by Finning Canada, with cab access to visitors has also been installed on site as a result of the Wheaton funding.

“We are grateful to Wheaton Precious Metals for this transformative investment, which will expand our capacity to deliver meaningful, hands-on experiences for students and visitors alike,” Britannia Mine Museum Board Chair Leonie Tomlinson said. 

“This unique learning centre will bring the story of modern mining to life, helping bridge the gap between public understanding and the mining industry’s role in innovation, environmental stewardship and everyday life.”

Wheaton’s contribution will also support a new collaboration between Britannia Mine Museum and the UBC Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, providing mining students with on-site classroom space to support field-based learning.