One thing I’ve always been an advocate for is ideas that help us tell the positive story about the mining industry. And to be honest, at least one element of telling those stories is helping others understand just what mining is, what it is all about, and why they should care.
In the mission to find examples of that educational material, this editor was sent an advanced mining-themed card set, Muck Bolt Drill Blast, from One Love Empire Games. Designed to teach as well as be implemented as a safety tool – not to mention a really great “swag” item for mining shows – it took no time for me to check out this really great set.
The idea behind the game is to collect resources and to “dig” through the deck to “mine” more resources as you go. Cards are decked out with points, which you can collect, as well as what the developers call “action cards,” which can advance you in your favor or work against you, depending on the timing within the game. Equipment is also collectible in the set, too, to create an unstoppable resource collection by the person holding that hand.
A typical turn (shift) is much like poker – you’re waiting for a winning hand you can lay down to collect points, while also playing out your action cards as much as you can, then discarding.
The ultimate object of the game is to be the miner with the most points when all the shifts are done. The game also has a few twists and turns, as players can count their points for mine rescue, stope blasting, round blasting, matching the cage tender’s bonus cards, and so on.
Heather Rodman, account manager for One Love Empire Games, sent NAM the game and noted that the game, which has done well in its Kickstarter campaign, was developed in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada – an ideal birthplace due to the region’s mining history.
“Get ready to dig deep underground as we mine for precious resources and overcome obstacles,” Rodman said earlier this year when the game was announced.
The card game, which has vivid imagery that leans into the harsh mining environment, allows for an immersive experience when one sits down to play. So, if you’re into high stakes and are keen on risk-taking – Muck Bolt Drill Blast is right up your entry – err, alley.
Note: One Love Empire Games is a client of NORCAT Innovation.
One Love Empire Games
One Love Empire Games is a Canadian Board and Card games company that was founded in February 2019 by Tyron Jefferies-Smith and Hannah Jefferies-Smith.