The Innovation & Technology Society (ITS) was recently launched at CIM CONNECT in Montreal to unite innovators and companies across the mining value chain.
At the heart of this initiative is the drive to accelerate the development and adoption of solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges.
ITS is a call to action stemming from CIM’s latest strategic planning efforts inspired by many conversations with people across the industry who are dissatisfied with the current pace of innovation and the loss of value this represents.
“Through ITS, we can help make the Canadian minerals, metals, and energy sectors more competitive, relevant, sustainable, and responsible,” explained ITS Chair, Laura Mottola, who is a specialist in mining optimisation and continuous improvement. “We need industry partners, vendors, manufacturers, researchers, government, and community leaders who are committed to this cause.”
Diversity of thought, experience, and perspectives is seen as integral to developing high-quality innovations and solution-driven collaborations.
ITS will work with all CIM societies and branches and other industry organisations to catalyse connections across the value chain and all facets of the industry. While the scope of ITS is still being defined, Mottola emphasised the importance of both technological and business process innovations.
“ITS will support CIM’s mission to advance knowledge and leading practices in Canada’s minerals and metals industry by bringing together key players to address major challenges through innovative ideas, new technologies, and collaborative solutions,” said CIM CEO, Angela Hamlyn. The impact of this new society will be seen through meaningful collaborations that lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved.
“ITS members will have the opportunity to harness their collective strengths, apply existing solutions, and create momentum that attracts investment in future innovations,” explained CIM Immediate Past President, Ian Pearce.
Early discussions for the ITS executive will include shaping the first ITS symposium in 2026 and determining the focus and methodology the society will take to achieve its mission.