Jason Simpson (P.Eng) was recently promoted to general manager of Vale's Labrador operations. Previously, he was the manager of Coleman Mine, the most profitable mine in Sudbury. While manager at Copper Cliff Mine, his commitment to safety helped it become the safest mine in Canada. He is active in professional associations, and is a busy father of triplets.

Q: What motivates you?
A: Opportunity motivates me. Additionally I enjoy learning and, in fact, I have a hunger for knowledge. Often that hunger is satisfied in the mining business, but when that is not enough I begin to explore other things I could do such as firefighting, rugby, boards, triplets, etc.

Q: If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be?
A: Marc Rich. His colourful history, knowledge of the global commodity industry, and staggering financial success fascinate me.

Q: What do you enjoy about living in Northern Ontario?
A: Northern Ontario has the single greatest concentration of underground mining knowledge in the world. It exists everywhere: in our schools, our professionals, our vendors, our community, and the very culture we have.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I was always interested in science and geography. I had a grand ambition to travel in space. I got a degree in physics, likely based on those dreams. While doing so, I attended a career fair about mining and was promised travel, albeit on a smaller global scale, and I was hooked.

Q: What makes you happy?
A: I take great pleasure in making my family happy.