Taking colour for granite

When you think of mining, what colour comes to mind? Perhaps the typical hues of rock; grey or brown? Or maybe the nature-inspired green and blue of water and trees, reflecting the setting of many mines? Yet, mining is not devoid of other colours. The bright yellow safety equipment is deliberately designed to stand out against the drab surroundings. While grey stone and brown mud tones are not typically associated with positivity, amidst the mundane lies the allure of the hidden treasures — a glimmering reminder of the beauty concealed beneath the earth’s surface. For those with a negative environmental perception of the industry, however, showcasing green and blue images may be seen as misleading.

The hidden treasures, once embedded in picturesque landscapes, significantly benefit humanity. It is disheartening that mining is often perceived as a dirty and dangerous industry that destroys natural settings. The limited colour palette of greys and browns could benefit from intentional augmentation with other colours. Working with predominantly inert rock, a substance seemingly visually devoid of life, we navigate a landscape where the grandeur of nature meets human necessity. What if we embraced colour as a gateway to appreciation for the products born from mined rock?

The beautiful hues of a rainbow are often associated with brighter days following a storm, whereas the colours of mining — typically a brown and grey combination — resemble the storm itself. The truth is that many of the subterranean tunnels of an underground mine or barren landscapes of surface mines, essential for operations, may simply lack visual appeal to most people. While we appreciate the beautiful gold excavated from the earth and the natural landscapes in which mines are located, few of us are eager to be the ones to do the work to recover it.

According to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) in their postsecondary education report (2023), “remoteness makes mining nearly invisible to students living far away from mining-centric places” (see p. 49 at this link: https://mihr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MiHR-Postsecondary-Education-Report-EN-2023.pdf). That means that there is a great deal of space, both literally and figuratively, between potential employees and that mining industry. Since mining is frequently done in remote areas, we must share the excitement of mining with the public.

What can we do?

The current sentiment is that no one wants to work in mining. The industry could benefit from colourful and innovative graphics in advertising to attract attention. We propose a new way of looking at mining, one that incorporates the full spectrum of colours inspired by the rainbow, in hopes of educating people that mining extends beyond the stereotyped images of drab earthy tones and natural landscapes that sometimes contradict the industry’s image. By adopting this perspective, we aim to paint a brighter picture of mining. We have matched the colours of the rainbow with real-world mining examples that embody each vibrant hue, intending to highlight the strengths and wonders of mining through a selection of job-accurate examples.

Red: We chose a large steel headframe, coloured in striking red, to represent the iron in the steel from which it is constructed. This choice encapsulates multiple aspects of mining, with the most obvious being the distinct location unique to mining. This image of a strong sturdy frame conveys a sense of construction, integral to mining, highlighting that the materials used to construct it were themselves mined.

Orange: We chose a bright orange safety vest to address the common perception of mining as a dangerous industry. This image combats the stigma by emphasizing the industry’s commitment to safety and dedication to protecting its workers.

Yellow: For yellow, we chose large heavy-duty equipment and machinery. Much like young kids playing with toy trucks, we aim to tap into the childlike wonder inspired by machines far larger than a person.

Green: Another multifaceted colour is green, symbolizing both the natural environment surrounding the mine and the ecological efforts undertaken after a mine’s lifecycle. This image aims to dispel the misconception that mining companies disregard environmental concerns, presenting a more accurate portrayal of the industry’s commitment to ecological stewardship.

Blue: Blue is often associated with technology, a crucial facet of mining that could engage those potentially interested in the industry. Mining relies on cutting-edge technology, and by highlighting these technological advancements, we aim to showcase the innovative aspects of the job.

Indigo: We chose a hardhat for indigo to reiterate the importance of safety and to highlight the people of mining. Mining involves a multidisciplinary group of individuals with diverse backgrounds working together to achieve common goals. Hardhats unite those working at mine sites, symbolizing our shared commitment to safety and demonstrating equality by highlighting our mutual basic needs.

Violet: Finally, we chose an amethyst stone for violet. Amethyst is a beautiful and natural treasure that is visually appealing and can only be uncovered through mining.

We wanted an image that encapsulates these colours in a way that is visually appealing. The illustrator not only did that, but also chose to go beyond and evoke a sense of fun through the workers sliding down the hardhat. By consciously incorporating vibrant images, dynamic designs, and even emotion, we believe that the mining industry can create attractive and compelling narratives about opportunities within the industry. We advocate for a marketing strategy centred on bright, eye-catching visuals to enhance appeal. We believe that visual approaches can help to shift perspectives on mining and renew interest in the field. Colour should never be taken for granted — especially if you are in the mining business.

This article highlights how Donna Beneteau’s enthusiasm for mining has influenced her family and emphasizes the importance of involving youth with diverse skills in promoting mining. Donna Beneteau is an associate professor at the department of civil, geological, and environmental engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, donna.beneteau@usask.ca. Her son, Patrick Ecobichon, who completed an English degree in 2023 and currently serves as a research assistant at the University of Saskatchewan, conceived the idea and led the writing of the article. patrick.ecobichon@usask.ca. The illustration was created by her daughter, Heather Ecobichon, a recent graduate of the global business and digital arts program at University of Waterloo (2024), who brought the article to life with her graphics. 

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