An unofficial unveiling of the final piece of sculpture to the Miner’s Memorial in Elliot Lake reveals another piece of mining life.
The Prospector was unveiled by its creator, Laura Brown Breetvelt, the artist behind all the pieces that grace the park area.
She says the final piece honours the early prospectors who staked the area and discovered uranium.
An official unveiling is planned and more names will be added to the Miners Memorial Wall once the city review COVID-19 protocols for a gathering.
The Miner’s Memorial Wall, which was also designed by Brown Breetvelt, was unveiled in 2007.
It was funded by the United Steelworkers and the City of Elliot Lake.
The memorial is engraved with over 350 names of workers who have died from workplace accidents or occupational illnesses while working in Elliot Lake’s mines.
Brown Breetvelt says this final piece is the missing chapter – indeed the first chapter – in the history of Elliot Lake.
“Finishing the Trilogy enhances the memorial park experience for tourists, residents, and visitors who are paying homage to all mining members. The Prospector discovers a massive uranium deposit in the area; entrepreneurs build the mines, and miners and their families work and build a beautiful community.”
A proud Elliot Laker, the project was a collaboration with the City of Elliot Lake with Brown Breetvelt funding the actual sculpture.
