subject: Mining Expert And Pilot George Simchuk [print this page] George Simchuk is a pilot, miner, and mining engineer. Simchuk has had four decades of experience within the mining industry but currently works as a volunteer pilot.
Early Career
Simchuk began his career as an engineer by studying at Washington State University in 1963. At WSU he gained a bachelor of science in Mining Engineering. His first job in the mining industry was in Chuquicamata, Chile, as Shift Boss at the Anaconda Company in Chuquicamata, where he worked until 1969. He soon progressed in the company and was promoted to Chief engineer.
Career Progression
Simchuk then joined the Utah Company, Utah International, in 1969 as their manager of mining services; here he dealt with mining both in the United States and abroad. He soon progressed at Utah International and he was promoted to Project Engineer. In this role he worked on mining projects in three different continents. After he left Utah International, Simchuk worked for Homestake mining company, where he was the General Manager of the pitch mine. He helped to take the project through its initial emergence stage.
Establishing His Own Company
Several years later, Simchuk left Homestake mining and created his own company Simchuk and associates. He focused on planning emergency mining operations. From here Simchuk joined Pathfinder Mines Corporation and worked there for several years. Simchuk held various positions at Pathfinder Mines including Manager of Operations, Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, President, and Chief Operating Officer.
Leaving Pathfinder Mines Corporation
After working at Pathfinder Mines for several years, George Simchuk left and began to work in Panama at Minera Cerro Quema. Here he was General Manager and Vice President. Simchuk later joined Glamis Gold on their Mexican operation, as General Manager. At Glamis Gold, he helped to boost morale, aided in the relationship between the mining company and the government, and he fixed the technical problems they were encountering.
Transition into a Pilot
George Simchuk always had a love for flying and learned to fly in Chile. For over four decades he has flown single engine airplanes, and he now has a commercial pilots license. Simchuk combined is love of flying with his desire to help people when he joined the Flying Medical Service. With the flying medical service he assists people in Tanzania by helping those who are ill and providing inoculations.
He also volunteered for Angel Flight, to help cancer patients who needed transport to their cancer treatment facilities. On one of his volunteer flights, George Simchuk experienced a life changing moment for one family in particular. This moment occurred when Simchuk was flying a mother and her two young sons, one of whom was disabled. Her disabled son Caleb had never uttered a word in his life and was restricted to his wheelchair. When the plane began to take-off Caleb became so excited by the sights from the plane window that he spoke for the first time. His family were overjoyed and it was a special moment for Simchuk.
