Melissa Nizinkevich, P.Geo.

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?

I grew up on a farm outside of Kenaston, SK with my three older siblings. I attended Kenaston School from kindergarten to grade 12, graduating in 2006. I like to joke I spent the majority of my time outside and only came in to sleep and eat, exploring the many acres around me.

Why did you choose geoscience and what is your area of specialty?

I have many memories as a young kid cracking open rocks on an old anvil we had in the shop.  It was a running joke in the family that I would one day be a geologist.  I ended up taking an elective geology class in high school and was hooked! In the beginning, I knew I wanted my career to take me to remote places and explore a lot of untouched areas within hard rock exploration.

Where and when did you study geoscience/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I attended the University of Saskatchewan from 2006 to 2010 with the set goal of getting my geology degree. I had spent the summer working for USask crop science and was intrigued by the idea of a career in agronomy, however, I stuck with geology. I had a great experience at USask and the programs were still relatively small. I learnt a lot, had a lot of fun, and made some great memories.

What jobs/roles have you held as a geoscientist?

I worked for APEX Geoscience Ltd. during my undergrad and postgraduate as an exploration geoscientist-in-training.  Working with them allowed me to see some amazing places in Canada and overseas in Australia. I returned home and worked with Golden Band Resources as a mine geoscientist-in-training in Northern Saskatchewan, this role provided valuable experience in the mining industry.  I then worked as a mine geologist in the potash sector with legacy Agrium until 2021, allowing me to settle down and start a family.  I recently made the switch back into the hard rock industry working for Foran Mining in 2022. I am now in a new role as an exploration environment and permitting specialist and have been enjoying the new experience of being involved with environmental work and community engagement.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

The people hands down! I’ve met and stayed in touch with amazing people along the way who have helped me grow professionally and personally. I have also had the opportunity to visit and see many neat places and to spend time in nature exploring (what I would be doing in my free time if I wasn’t at work). Rotation work also allowed me to do some neat stuff on my time off, further exploring and travelling.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

That’s a tough question as so many people come to mind.  Rob L’Heureux was a great mentor early in my career who taught me not only a lot of great technical information but also some of the ins and outs of the industry that I carry with me to this day. The world of exploration does have its challenges, so it was important for me to have that positive influence and foundation right from the start.  I also must give a shout-out to Terry Croteau, who had a similar impact on me when it came to the mining industry and set me up for success. There were countless other folks along the way, and each one had something different to share. I appreciate the fact I had great mentors in my career.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

I live on an acreage outside of Saskatoon with my husband and two daughters. I enjoy spending time with them going on all kinds of adventures (collecting copious amounts of insects for my oldest). I am also an avid motorcyclist and a motorcycle instructor with the Saskatchewan Safety Council, where we set people up for a safe experience in the graduated rider program.