People & Places
Grant Matkovich
Kamloops, B.C.
Langley, B.C.
María Isabel Reinoso
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Grant Matkovich
Blaster II
Greenhills Operations
When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?
In 2001, I joined Line Creek Operations, and then I moved over to Greenhills Operations in August 2003.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
I manage all aspects of the blasting, including loading, stemming and prepping the blast pattern. I also load explosives into the ground in order to provide digging for the shovels.
What is your favourite part about your job?
The best part is definitely when we tie-in the blast patterns and shoot—the blasting is exciting. Though I’ve been doing this for 10 years, it is still as exciting now as the first time I pulled the trigger.
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck?
At one point, Greenhills was shooting the largest blast pattern in the operation’s history and I was able to bring my family up to see it.
What is your favourite activity outside of work, and why?
That would be a toss-up between snowmobiling and gathering firewood. I like to break a sweat when I’m out on my own time, and I enjoy being outside.
Kamloops, B.C.
Vanessa Roeland,
Metallurgical Engineer, Mill
Highland Valley Copper
When visiting, what’s a must-see?
The panoramic view of the city from the top of Mount Dufferin in Kenna Cartwright Park is a must-see. The extensive, dog-friendly trail networks in Kamloops usually offer stunning views of the city, Kamloops Lake and surrounding mountains and grasslands.
What is a typical weekend like there?
Kamloops offers weekend activities for any preference, including world-class golfing, fishing in one of dozens of well-stocked lakes or catching a show at the Sagebrush Theatre. For me, a typical weekend might include taking in the downtown Saturday farmers’ market and then meeting with friends for some downhill mountain biking laps at Harper Mountain.
What is your favourite restaurant in the community?
Although not technically a restaurant, the Red Collar Taproom is a great place to sample the local craft beer and enjoy some appies and board games with friends.
Is there anything else you’d like other Teck employees to know about the area you live and work in?
Kamloops is in a geographic “rain shadow” created by the Coastal Mountains. The almost desert-like climate, not typical of most of British Columbia, grows on you quickly, but also brings with it rattlesnakes, black widow spiders and prickly pear cactus.
Langley, B.C.
Jeff Thorpe, Senior Server Specialist, Information Systems
Vancouver Office
What is the area’s point of pride?
Langley is home to Thunderbird Show Park, which is a major facility for equestrian events and shows in North America. People come from all over to see the Hunter and Jumper Show Tournaments each year.
When visiting, what’s a must-see?
A tour of Fort Langley is a must. It’s a little village community on the Fraser River that is also the birthplace of B.C.—it’s a national historic site that was once a fur trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Fort Langley hosts lots of great festivals, most recently the Food Truck and Cranberry Festivals.
What is the area’s best-kept secret?
There’s this really great artisan coffee shop tucked away off the main road that’s called Republica Coffee Roasters. We love getting fresh roasted coffee from there—unless you’re from the area, you may not know about it.
Is there anything else you’d like other Teck employees to know about the area you live and work in?
Fort Langley is a beautiful and friendly community with a really small town feel to it. The area is older, so the property sizes are larger. And, there are farms all around us, so it doesn’t feel overdeveloped. It feels like its own little world away from the city. It’s a great place to raise your kids.
María Isabel Reinoso
Lawyer
Santiago office
What is your current title?
I’m a lawyer, specializing in environmental law.
When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?
I joined Teck one year ago in Santiago. I provide support to Quebrada Blanca (QB) Operations, Carmen de Andacollo (CDA) Operations and the QB2 Project.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
I support different legal requirements related to permits and contracts. My focus is mainly on environmental permitting.
What is your favourite part about your job?
I value the good work atmosphere we have at Teck—I feel part of a team where we collaborate and respect each other.
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck to date?
I don’t know if I have just one. I enjoy the opportunities I get to work with other disciplines, such as geotechnical, geology, engineering and metallurgy.
What is your favourite activity outside of work, and why?
I really enjoy walking and actually walk to work every day—it’s very relaxing and healthy. I love reading, listening to music and watching romantic movies. I also try to balance my time to see my friends and family who live in Antofagasta, where I’m from.
