They say that time flies when you’re having fun! Just yesterday I sat down with a cup of Tim’s to write my first President’s note (or so it seems), yet today I find myself celebrating the completion of my final note before turning this editorial responsibility over to CIM’s 2023-2024 president, Mike Cinnamond.
Reviewing the past year’s President’s notes, what struck me (and perhaps many of you who have written me such lovely notes via email, text and LinkedIn) are the underlying themes that unconsciously wove their way through my musings. Themes of collaboration, inclusivity, authenticity, genuine steps forward reconciling with Indigenous Peoples, trust, and reaching beyond traditional boundaries for alliances, talent and technologies. I’m constantly inspired by the generosity of people in our industry sharing their time, knowledge and talents, and the way we’re driven by a sense of greater purpose.
The last year has been incredibly busy for CIM. The contributions of our many committees, societies, working groups, branches, council and full-time staff are captured in the soon-to-be-released 2022 Annual Report and include: the hard work the Canadian Mineral Processors Society (CMP) provided to see the publication of the 2022 Leading Practice Guidelines for Mineral Processing (one of several CIM guidelines, which are the principal references for NI 43-101); the Environmental and Social Responsibility Society’s (ESRS) updating of the ESG guidance document with feedback from a public consultation process and submitting it to regulatory authorities for review and comment; revamping the corporate membership program and the addition of several key corporate sponsors; launching the Career Ambassador Program in concert with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR); re-invigorating many branches with a return to in-person technical sessions, community volunteering and networking events (like my favourite golf tournaments).
CIM CEO Angela Hamlyn and I have been meeting with the executive members of the Institute’s societies. One of the common themes they have communicated to us is their desire to attract additional society members and volunteers for working groups. CIM society memberships, free with your national membership, provide a wonderful opportunity to collaborate, contribute to leading practices and learn from others with expert skill sets. CIM societies span a variety of fields, including health and safety, surface or underground mining, metallurgy and materials, economics, mineral processing, geology, maintenance and reliability, rock engineering, and environment and social responsibility. Membership also gives you access to newsletters, webinars, technical talks and workshops on topical themes. Go to the CIM website, update your profile and select your home society and others of interest today.
Many of us will be gathering April 30 through May 3 to attend the CIM 2023 Convention & Expo, in person in Montreal for the first time since 2019. The convention theme, Building Trust to Decarbonize the World, is relevant and timely for an industry involved in sustainably producing the metals and minerals needed to move the world to a lower carbon future. We’ll also be celebrating our 125th anniversary, so get your Caterpillar gala outfit dry cleaned and your Komatsu dancing shoes polished. It’s going to be a great party!
It has been my honour to serve as your CIM president this past year. I look forward to a very exciting 126th year for CIM as we step forward together under the leadership of Mike Cinnamond!
