Each year, CIM Magazine shines a spotlight on people making an impact across the mining sector. Those on this year’s list are driving progress in areas ranging from mine waste management and environmental performance to Indigenous leadership, critical minerals development and technological innovation. Through their expertise, vision and commitment to collaboration, they are helping to position the industry for a more sustainable and resilient future. These are CIM Magazine’s 2026 Names to Know.

The cold-climate engineer

Vincent Boulanger-Martel, Canada research chair in geoenvironmental engineering of mine waste in cold regions at UQAT
By Lynn Greiner

The tailings governance leader

Ed Toms, CEO of the Global Tailings Management Institute
By Jax Jacobsen

The regulation navigator

Janna Switzer, vice-president of environment, safety, sustainability, regulatory at Denison Mines
By Mehanaz Yakub

The safety entrepreneur

Chao Yu, CEO and co-founder of LoopX
By Kristen Frisa

The Indigenous leadership advocate

Kaella-Marie Earle, President of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association
By Ashley Fish-Robertson

The supply chain strategist

Richard Hiller, director of the Future Materials Alliance  
By Dinah Zeldin

The rock engineer

Véronique Falmagne, corporate director, rock engineering and ground control at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
By Ashley Fish-Robertson

The Indigenous ownership architect

Mark Podlasly, CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition
By Ailbhe Goodbody

The heap leach leader

Tim Warman, CEO and director of Talamore Mining
By Tijana Mitrovic