There are many different areas of the mining industry that are of interest to people. The inner-workings of some of the most intricate technologies, the detailed attention to safety and on-site performance and the incredible relationships formed by the people that work together to make it all possible. But every so often, relationships that begin outside of mining carry over into side-by-side careers.

 

This was the case with Julie Vance and Pam Franks, the subjects of this edition of “Meet Your Miners,” whose relationship began long before they got into mining. Vance and Franks weren’t college roommates, high school buddies or even playground pals.

 

They are sisters.

 

Now, with more than 70 years of combined mining experience between them, their relationship continues to grow, facilitated by another common bond – the love of mining.

 

Vance began her mining career at Round Mountain Gold Corporation (RMGC) in 1976 as a Payroll Clerk in the mine department and later transferred to maintenance clerk. After some time off to take care of family, she rejoined RMGC in 1985 in the assay lab.

 

“Back then, women started in the office,” said Vance, noting how time has changed the industry. “But I showed them that I could do that job, and any other one they could throw at me.”

 

Vance is now the senior technician in the assay lab. Among other responsibilities, she runs the ICP spectrometer, a device that ensures the process facilities are running correctly by checking gold and silver levels in solution.

 

“Quality is important to me, but getting it right is important to every department on the site,” said Vance, who loves comparing her work against third-party results. “It’s a great way to confirm a strong work ethic and to ensure attention to detail is paid.”

 

Franks began working at RMGC in 1978, two years after her sister. She was drawn to the industry by the friendly community and a tempting offer to become a haul truck driver.

 

“I had tried the city life. I wanted a good paying job and a nice place to raise my kids,” recalls Franks. She started on the utility crew but moved to the mine department for 15 years. Later, she worked in the assay lab for 12 years – 10 with sister, Vance. For the past six years Franks has worked in engineering as a short term planner, breaking down the yearly production plan into day-to-day and two-week plans for the production departments to follow.

 

“Part of what I love most about my job is all the different people I get to work with, especially those I formed bonds with in the mine department early in my career,” explained Franks. “After you work with people as long as I have here, they become part of your family.

 

“RMGC and the mining industry have provided me with great education, wages, a retirement plan and lifestyle for my family,” stated an enthusiastic Franks. “I like telling people what I do for a living. There’s pride in that.”

 

Her sister agreed.

 

“It is nice to go home feeling good about what you did during the day. I get to train people and help them upgrade and advance in their career because that’s what it is. It’s not a job, it’s a career,” said Vance.

 

Both Vance and Franks have advanced through their careers at RMGC while bringing up their families in the Big Smoky Valley. They attribute their success to a positive attitude, attention to detail, strong work ethic and their focus on safety, though we suspect having a sister there when you need her helps too.