I have been fortunate to be able to attend two recent conferences put on by CIM: the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (MRMR) conference in Vancouver in October and the Capital Projects Symposium (CPS) in Toronto in November. I found these to be most impactful events, combining technical insight, industry relevance and exceptional networking opportunities.
The MRMR conference focused on the core processes of mineral resource and reserve estimation—classification and reporting—which are essential for effective decision making and sustainable project development. Mining companies rely on accurate reserve estimations to evaluate the economic potential of deposits, set long-term planning strategies and attract investors. The MRMR conference gathered geologists, engineers and data scientists, offering an environment to explore the latest advancements in resource modelling, estimation techniques and software tools. Attendees gained first-hand knowledge from technical presentations on innovative practices and technology advancements, from geological modelling to grade estimation methods and economic modelling.
Similarly, the CPS event addressed capital project challenges, focusing on strategic project management and execution, risk assessment and financial modelling. This symposium emphasized effective capital allocation and managing large-scale projects in the mining sector, a critical need given the increasing costs and complexities of modern mining ventures. Sessions covered integrated project management approaches, the use of digital tools in projects and case studies from major corporations that shared lessons on successful project delivery.
Both conferences provided insights that are essential in the current industry climate, where global shifts demand adaptability and innovation. The MRMR conference addressed mineral classification standards such as the CIM Definition Standards and National Instrument (NI) 43-101, which set the regulatory foundation for Canadian-listed mining companies. Staying current with these standards is crucial for professionals involved in resource estimation and disclosure, as adherence ensures compliance and enhances investor confidence.
CPS was equally relevant, tackling the financing, execution and regulatory complexities that often stall capital projects. As mining operations shift to more remote and difficult environments, minimizing delays and reducing overruns is essential. The symposium highlighted risk management techniques, innovation in project execution and ways to foster project resilience, addressing the capital project life cycle from feasibility to execution, into operations and covering the important phase of commissioning. Given that efficient capital allocation is a priority for modern mining organizations, this symposium provided a roadmap to building sustainable, resilient projects.
Beyond technical content, CIM conferences are invaluable for networking and professional growth. The MRMR and CPS events attracted global experts, executives and innovators from diverse backgrounds, creating platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Networking sessions and panel discussions allowed attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, explore potential partnerships for collaboration and even secure mentorship opportunities. For those looking to advance their careers, the engagement with peers and thought leaders can expand perspectives and foster relationships that can lead to future collaborations or career advancements. Additionally, CIM events often feature exhibition floors, offering attendees the chance to interact with vendors and explore tools and technologies that could benefit their organizations.
These events, among many others, empower attendees to stay at the forefront of industry standards, equip them with tools for efficient project management and connect them with a network that drives their professional journeys.
