Britannia Mine Early 1970's
From the Depths of Britannia Mine to a Bold New Vision
In the early 1970s, Anaconda’s Britannia Mine on the shore of Howe Sound, 30 miles north of Vancouver, B.C., was a hive of activity. Miners, geologists, and technicians worked side by side, extracting copper from the earth and exploring target veins. Among them was Jim Vinnell, a dedicated technician who spent his days assisting geologist John Payne. Together, they traversed the rugged landscape, collecting samples and analyzing the earth's secrets.
THE LEGACY OF
VANCOUVER PETROGRAPHICS
Jim Vinnell
Britannia Mine Lab 1965
By 1972, certain operations within the mine began winding down. The halt was a blow to many, but for Jim, it was the spark that ignited a new path. The mining industry in British Columbia was booming, driven by high metal prices and a surge in exploration. With this came a growing demand for specialized services, particularly in petrographics—the study of very thin slices of rocks using an optical microscope to understand their composition and geological history.
With his experience in preparing petrographic samples at the mine's lab, he envisioned a commercial service that could cater to the burgeoning needs of mining companies. Teaming up with his coworker Peter, they founded Vancouver Petrographics in 1972. Their first lab was humble, tucked away in the basement of a house on Quebec Street in Vancouver.
A Coin Toss for Destiny: The Birth of a Family Legacy
The early days were fraught with challenges. In an era before the internet and widespread communication networks, finding customers was no easy feat. Undeterred, Jim took to the streets, literally knocking on the doors of mining companies, offering VP’s services. His persistence paid off, slowly but surely, as companies began to recognize the value of their expertise.
However, internal challenges soon arose. Jim was pouring his heart and soul into the business, while Peter was less committed. The partnership was strained, and a decision had to be made. In a moment that seemed straight out of a movie, they resolved their impasse with a coin toss.
Fate favored Jim, who bought out Peter's share, transforming Vancouver Petrographics into a family-owned enterprise. With his beloved wife Harriet, his brother Brian Vinnell, and his nephew Jim Montgomery (JR) by his side, the company entered a new era. Together, they strengthened its foundation, combining technical expertise, dedication, and a shared vision to establish Vancouver Petrographics as a trusted name in the industry.
Leitz Labolux-pol 1970
One of the first microscopes used by VanPetro
Mentorship, Mastery, and the Struggle for Survival
Throughout these trials, Jim was fortunate to have the guidance of John Payne, his former colleague and mentor. Payne's knowledge was invaluable, often referring to the "Laboratory Handbook of Petrographic Techniques" by Charles Hutchinson as their bible. Together, they tackled complex problems, innovating and refining techniques to meet the unique demands of their clients.
The first five years were a struggle. Jobs were scarce, and every sample had to be prepared meticulously by hand—a slow and labor-intensive process. But Jim and his team persevered, driven by a passion for their craft and a belief in its importance to the mining industry.
Logitech Lapping Jig
A Revolutionary Leap: Precision Meets Innovation
A turning point came in 1983 when Logitech, a machinery company, introduced Jim to their precision lapping equipment. Recognizing its potential, the company invested in the technology, which allowed for automated sample grinding with near micron-level accuracy. This innovation dramatically increased their production capacity and quality, enabling them to meet the growing industrial and scientific demand.
Vancouver Petrographics quickly established itself as a pioneer in commercial petrographic services. Jim's ingenuity led to the development of custom techniques and machinery modifications tailored to the specific needs of the mining sector. Their work not only supported local operations in British Columbia but also contributed to discoveries worldwide, aiding scientists, researchers, and exploration geologists.
8080 Glover Road
Fort Langley BC 1989
A Legacy Forged in Stone: Innovation Beyond a Lifetime
Jim’s legacy is one of relentless innovation and dedication. He was known for his "trial and error" approach, never shying away from the unique challenges each sample presented. Even as the company grew and processes became more automated, the spirit of problem-solving remained at its core.
In 2015, Jim passed away, but his vision lives on. Today, his son, Shayne Vinnell, leads Vancouver Petrographics, while Brian Vinnell and Jim Montgomery continue to preserve the rich company heritage. This enduring commitment is further strengthened by a dynamic new generation of professionals, ensuring that every new challenge is met with the same passion and ingenuity that Jim instilled—a legacy forged in stone, driving innovation beyond a lifetime.