Rob Reukl
Interview with Rob Reukl
Rob Reukl has been a long-standing supporter of Lakehead University. Throughout the years, he has given his time generously as well as financially by supporting the Geology department and Alumni Association of Lakehead University. As a 1984 graduate of Lakehead University, he has been employed as a geologist in the mineral exploration and mining business for over 25 years. He has worked in different mining camps in Ontario and his profession continues to bring him to new places.
In this special article, we will take the opportunity to highlight a place that Mr. Reukl has visited and is profoundly passionate about: Tanzania. With President Dr. Brian Stevenson's vision for extending a global reach for Lakehead, Rob is just one alumnus who is helping to build new connections internationally.
Currently, Rob is working as a Senior Project Geologist for African Barrick Gold (a division of Barrick Gold, the largest gold mining company in the world). Since March, he has been pursuing a working contract there while his family continues to reside in Northern Ontario. He comments that it is “not all that different from my previous work in Canada. I am not doing volunteer work, although it’s hard not to offer assistance to many of the worthy causes and charities doing good work in the area, and Tanzania as a whole”.
Rob speaks glowingly about living and working in Tanzania, “It is a country filled with warm and inviting people. A country that shares many similarities to Canada and in my mind it's not unlike postwar Canada just before our country experienced it's most significant economic expansion and extended period of prosperity ever. Canada and Tanzania share many similarities. Three major industries in each country are mining, forestry and agriculture with a significant tourism component. Canada has the largest body of fresh water along its southern boundary and Tanzania has the second largest body of fresh water (Lake Victoria) along its northern boundary”.
Another place he has visited is the island of Zanzibar. He appreciates the amazing history, beautiful sand beaches and clear blue waters which are a mecca for divers. Rob has a great idea for this location but we will reveal this later in our article; first we will share his experience and beautiful photos that he has kindly provided us for this article.
We are delighted to have this opportunity to chat with Rob:
How did your work and living experiences in Canada prepare you for life in Tanzania?
Rob: I'll start a bit further back. In 1986, my girlfriend at the time (also an Lakehead grad) was working in Botswana, teaching English. I went over to visit her and we travelled through South Africa, Swaziland and Southern Botswana. I have wanted to return ever since. In 1990 I had the opportunity to pursue a job as a mine geologist in Zambia but began working at the GECO mine in Manitouwadge, and so I passed on the opportunity. Seeing what I've seen now, I can't help second guessing that decision. As I've told people recently about my current work - my only regret is that I wish I'd started doing this expat work a lot sooner.
My work here is very similar to the work I have previously done in the past working as a mine geologist, or exploration geologist, in Canada. There are no real differences in the work we do here or in Canada.
Living in Canada, on the other hand, does not prepare you in any way, shape, or form for life in Tanzania. Tanzania is a developing country in every application of the term. Tanzania is one of the largest recipient countries of foreign aid in Sub-Saharan Africa. This amounted to about $2 billion totaling 35% or government spending in fiscal 2007/08 from 40 Development Partners. Canada with 10 times the land area, has a similar sized population to Tanzania – but does not suffer from the lack of development which causes regular power outages throughout Tanzania, due to its heavy reliance on hydro power.
What are some of the challenging aspects of your job in general?
Rob: Taking a longer term view of what I want to do and how I'm going to do it offers the greatest challenges. When we order parts, supplies or equipment we commonly experience wait times of 2-3 months. There are no suppliers in the immediate area. Our expediter is in Dar and sends us regularly scheduled trucks with freight. Most freight comes by ship, 4-6 months from North America and 2-3 months from South Africa. And that is if the supplier has it ready-to-ship. If it is a special order, or back order, add that time on as well. Things can come more quickly from South Africa, about 4 weeks by truck, but it's more expensive. So we plan as much as possible and rely on our talented warehouse personnel to support us.
What are your friendships/connections with the local residents in Tanzania like?
Rob: The Tanzanians are a wonderful, warm and inviting people. You will note there is no “red” in their flag, as can be found in the flags of other African nations - meaning no blood was shed in the separation from their colonial masters.
I remember once hearing [the expression that] you can tell much about a culture and its language by the number of words used to describe a certain item of importance. The speaker went on to say that the Canadian Inuit have something in the order of 50 words to describe “snow”, as it is central to their culture. Well, the Tanzanians have a long list of words that they greet you with, and I seem to hear a new one every day.
[Also], family is central to their culture. If you are of similar age, you are referred to as “brother” or “sister”. If you are older, you are respectfully referred to as “father” or “mother”. It is very easy to develop close friendships with people.
What issues are you affected by in Tanzania? Which charities/organizations do you align with and why?
Rob: It would be hard not to see the great divide between the wealthy and the poor. Dar is a prosperous city, but you can still find beggars in the streets. There is no form of social assistance here in Tanzania, and family is relied upon heavily. They are in total amazement that you can receive money and not work in Canada.
The countryside is dominated by subsistence farmers who starve when the rains don't come. [The area has faced droughts in the past 2 years]. Famine is spread across the entire range of East Africa. Orphanages are also common place across the country. We have a small success story in a local orphanage that is helped by many people here at the mine, known as the Bethany project (www.bethanyfamily.net) which is supported by a group from the UK.
I have also had the opportunity to meet an American that runs an NGO (Non-Government Organization) from his kitchen table, called East Africa Aid Project (www.eastafricaaidproject.org) which supports 3 schools and an orphanage - which is a truly amazing feature. I have brought back used clothing and soccer balls (deflated) in my luggage for these groups…Any amount of a donation is greatly appreciated and very frugally spent. It really doesn't matter what African charity you support - the need is so great… I've seen the good work that these two organizations do - and how far they can stretch a dollar.
The mine also supports education and health care initiatives as a matter of Corporate Social Responsibility in the areas where we operate and does a very professional job of it, giving employees the opportunity to sponsor local school fees for students of families that cannot afford them, which I also do.
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To expand on our two questions above... there is the saying that 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. Rob comments on this and how, rather the photos are muted when it comes to showing just how colourful, rich, and determined the local people of Tanzania are.
Rob: I am including pictures of the local market which is held every Friday here in Kokola. This is the village located about 1km from the mine. This village and life as we see it here offers a stark contrast to the pictures of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and other large urban centers. Dar is a large relatively modern city with construction appearing to take place on virtually every city block. Kokola is a relatively large (10,000+) rural village that has grown considerably due to its proximity to the mine.
Many Tanzanians working at the mine reside in Kokola, or other neighboring villages while working and live elsewhere with their families during their rotation (or time off). The pictures at first look may show a very poor and impoverished community but it is apparent to me that these are a very hard working, industrious people and this village will prosper and flourish in the years ahead.
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Rob encourages alumni to visit The Bethany Project and East Africa Aid Project websites to learn about important issues, campaigns and projects. It is an example of the ways graduates get involved and exercise their ability to make change while doing something they love.
He also highlights the work of his alma mater in Geology who have distinguished themselves in their overseas endeavours – For example, “Jamie Sokalsky— Barrick Gold’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He’s a big part of why Barrick is in Africa”.
Another noteworthy grad: “Cam McCuaig is the Director for the Center for Exploration Targeting at the University of Western Australia and Kevin Tomlinson was recently made a senior partner with Westwind Partners, a merchant banking firm, where he is Managing Director, Natural Resources, Investment Banking in London, England. Other Lakehead geology grads have been working overseas for considerably longer and in more diverse locations”.
Additionally, he also speaks with great regard for “Dr. Howard Poulsen who, in 1971 received the first ever MSc. in Geology awarded by Lakehead University. Dr. Poulsen pursued a distinguished career with the Geological Survey of Canada, following his mentor Dr. James Franklin who went on to head the GSC after teaching at Lakehead for several years. Howard continues to consult internationally and recently shared several breakfasts and dinners with him at the Bulyanhulu Mine”.
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With such wonderful grads doing exciting work, it is without surprise that Rob also expresses his hopes to have a Lakehead reunion in Africa -- a testimonial of his appreciation:
What are your ideas for hosting a reunion in Africa?
Rob: I suggested that I would be pleased to organize this get together and suggested that it be held in May, 2012 in Zanzibar. I had [an] occasion to visit Zanzibar for three brief days in May, and fell in love with the place. I stayed in historic Stone Town; this was the heart of the Arab trade routes of East Africa. The area was eventually ceded to the Germans and eventually the English, after WW2. But the island retains a strong Arab flavour and continues to be 90% Muslim. The first time I heard the “call to prayer” I didn't know what to make of it but it was obvious after a few minutes considering where I was.
I've heard of many local Lakehead Alumni Chapters, mostly in Canada, but also overseas and I thought that there must be some Lakehead grads living or working in Southern Africa. Wouldn't it be fun to try and get them together in Zanzibar for an extended weekend if the interest is there, and if some people planned to stay longer?
It wouldn't be worth making the trip for a weekend, although many in Dar do it as it's only a short ferry ride… But I thought a three day get together [would be ideal] and offer a few of the classic Zanzibar outings: the Spice Plantation tours, the Stone Town tour, Jozani Forest tour, sunset cruise and some world class diving. May is the off season and some of the hotels are even closed until mid-June, so we should be able to get a great rate on a first class beachside hotel.
I'm hoping that from among those attending we can take a collection and make a donation to a local school or orphanage.
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It is inspiring to see our alum and especially Rob Reukl passionate about his work and jointly supporting aid development projects in Africa. Rob would like to encourage alumni to visit The Bethany Project and East Africa Aid Project websites. It is an example of the ways graduates get involved and exercise their ability to make change while doing something they love.
If you're a Lakehead graduate in Africa and interested in getting together for a reunion, Rob would love to hear from you. Please get in touch and email him: africanbarrickgold%23com|rreukl.
