In honor of Mining Week in Saskatchewan, a free tour was offered by Westmoreland Coal of the operations at the Shand Power Station and Greenhouse, as well other noteworthy points of interest relating to mining in Estevan. Matt joined in to take in and reveal a bit of the experience.

Folks of all ages boarded the bus at the Estevan Shoppers Mall on Thursday morning to take in the sights, and the insights provided by tour guide Chloe.

Our ride's first stop was at the Souris Valley Museum, where she explained some of the ancient equipment on display and how mining got it's start in the Energy City. Then, we moved on to Shand where we viewed various aspects of coal mining from both the outside and inside of the Plant, including an overview of the draglines and a peek inside the control room of the Station. A walk through the Greenhouse was next, followed by lunch inside the main office and warehouse building occupied by Westmoreland. Things concluded with a talk from the General Manager, as well as introductions with the Mine Rescue Team, before boarding the bus back to the Mall.

Roughly half of the 40-some total group was made of the grade 7 Westview class, who got a first hand glimpse at topics they've been discussing in the classroom.

Wyatt Fuller was the safest little man on site, even keeping the hardhat on for lunch. He toured with Allan Couture (right).

"One of my student's mum works here, and she suggested we take a trip to come and see the tour," shared their teacher, Shane Davenport, "So I got on that and checked with my principal, and we came along."

"There's some outcomes that we're doing right now on the earth's crust and mining and minerals, and all that seemed to fit quite well."

He noted that the hands on, real world application of what they're learning has essential value.

"You can't beat that. If you can get kids to see it first hand and experience it, they're going to remember it way more."

The field trip is only half of it, however, as their photos and knowledge gained will all be compiled when back in the classroom, and Davenport plans to assign reports on their outing and how it all connects.

Mining Week is held to promote and highlight the vital part of Saskatchewan's economy that, literally, keeps the lights on for many residents across the province.