At the 81st CDDA AGM and Convention, the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association is proud to honour two individuals who have made a lasting impact on the diamond drilling industry.
The CDDA Lifetime Member Award represents the Association’s highest individual honour, recognizing members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and significant long-term contributions to both the industry and the CDDA. Recipients are carefully selected in recognition of their enduring influence and commitment to advancing the industry. We are pleased to announce the second recipient of this year’s distinguished honour, Herb Phelps.
Herb Phelps began his career in April 1977 with Connors Drilling (Bow Valley Industries), working as a yard labourer and drill helper in Pine Point and Polar Lake, Northwest Territories, through to December 1978. He continued to build his experience with Tundra Drilling from January 1978 to May 1982, progressing from helper to driller while working across the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.
From May 1982 to August 1987, Herb worked with Cominco Ltd. at the Polaris Mine in the Northwest Territories, where he was a driller both underground and surface and was promoted to foreman in 1985. The Polaris Mine, located in the High Arctic just 70 km from the magnetic North Pole, presented some of the most challenging working conditions in the industry. He then joined Westmin Resources at the Myra Falls Mine from September 1987 to April 1993, working as an underground driller before advancing to Drill Coordinator in 1991.
Between May 1993 and December 1995, Herb continued his career with Connors Drilling and Tonto Drilling, contributing to both surface and underground drilling programs across international locations including Greenland, Mexico, and Chile. He went on to spend a decade with Falconbridge Ltd. from July 1996 to August 2006 as a Drill Coordinator for underground mining operations.
From August 2006 to July 2012, Herb served with Xstrata (formerly Falconbridge) as Supervisor, Geological Services, where he managed both surface and underground drilling programs for in-house and contractor teams while supporting drilling initiatives globally. He later joined Foraco Canada from July 2012 to July 2018 as General Manager for Western Canada, overseeing operations in both Kamloops and Yellowknife offices.
Most recently, from July 2018 to December 2025, Herb served as a Drilling Operations Advisor with Teck Resources, providing technical expertise and support to drilling programs globally. Over the course of his career, he has travelled extensively, contributing his knowledge and leadership to projects in diverse and often remote regions.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Herb has been a dedicated supporter of the CDDA, serving as Eastern Safety Group Chairman and as a former member of the Board of Directors for several years. His commitment to safety, mentorship, and industry advancement has made a lasting impact on the Association and the broader drilling industry.
Herb has been with his best friend Shelley in Life for 38 years and have 2 great children Meghan and Mathew and 2 grandchildren Sophia and Colton.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the CDDA office, and our membership, we are proud to recognize and honour Herb Phelps for his valued service and lasting contributions to the Association and industry at the 81st CDDA AGM & Convention, taking place May 24–26, 2026, in Victoria, BC. Join us at the Annual Awards Gala as we celebrate Herb and his achievements.
