Meet Our Team

Ian has over 20 years of industry experience focusing on industrial construction and mining projects. However, his enthusiasm for risk management and safety began while working as a guide and leadership trainer in the mountains and wilderness of North America and Asia. Ian has worked as a paramedic and had extensive experience as a first-aid and rescue instructor, which served to strengthen his belief that it is far better to prevent accidents than to manage them. Ian first worked with JDS during the construction of Minto Mine in Canada’s north and continues to travel the world supporting the project teams. He specializes in developing and overseeing large projects for successful completion, and ensuring continuous health and safety improvement. Ian is known for signature brand of calm and diligent work ethic, with a bit of humour thrown in to keep it enjoyable.

Vaughn has been in the industry for over 10 years and brings a wide background to the table with field and technical experience in underground long-hole production blasting, civil excavation blasting, construction projects, surveying, supervision, design & planning, estimating and project management. Vaughn has filled various roles in remote projects ranging from Northern Canada, Ontario, British Columbia, to Guyana in South America. Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from Montana Tech and is a certified underground shift boss with underground as well as surface blasting certifications.

Jay has been in the heavy civil and mining industry for over 10 years . His background ranges from Forestry to mining working across Northern Ontario and Northern BC. Jay has performed many roles from heavy equipment technician to a finishing operator, progressing to supervisory positions, managing a Safety & Training department, and now as the Operations Superintendent. His drive and strong learning abilities pushes him to succeed to the next level and achieve constant growth for him and our company.

Cliff has worked in the Petroleum and Mining Industry for over 45 years. Over the past 35 years Cliff has been involved in significant projects in the Northwest Territories, including construction and the start of both BHP and Diavik Diamond Mines. Cliff was involved in all aspects of the projects including estimating, logistics, procurement, human resources, financing and administration. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and qualified as a CMA and a CPA. Now with JDS, Cliff is working in an advisory role to support the Drilling and Blasting division as they grow their business.