Part of The Future of Mining Series presented by

Spotlight on Mining

Published on June 2, 2019

Janice Zinck / Director of Green Mining Innovation - CanmetMINING

Francis Fournier / President and CEO - COREM

Claudine Lee / Head of Environment and Permitting - Dominion Diamond Mines

Jeff More / President & CEO - MineSense

The Canadian mining industry is seen as one of the most innovative and sustainable in the world. But how can we improve upon this initial success and place these qualities at the core of our future mining industry’s – and its products – global brand? This Spotlight explores what must be done by our governments, mining companies, technology companies, academic institutions to make Canada a global leader in mining innovation and sustainability. As the products the industry produces are essential to the technology our modern lives rely on, this is a huge opportunity Canada must position itself to seize.

Key Takeaways & Calls to Action

The Canadian minerals and metals sector is complex and action is required across the entire supply chain. At the end of the supply chain consumers need to understand how their modern lives rely heavily on mining commodities. Educators need to effectively communicate the need for students in this high-tech, digital and responsible industry. Those working directly in the minerals and metals sector need to do so collaboratively and with collective intent to support communities, improve value extraction and minimize impact. Finally, those working indirectly with the mining industry need to recognize the improvements that have been made and the opportunities that remain for Canada.
Through existing organizations, a clear, national mining innovation agenda should be led by the Canadian mining industry, including suppliers, service companies and innovation partners. It should provide the framework for aligning mining companies’ R&D to fast-track innovation developments and deployments, share the risks, share resources and, ultimately, share the benefits. Governments can then play a supporting role in seeing the innovation agenda adopted across Canada and enabling the delivery of the innovation plan.
A sustainable mine must have an overarching strategy that considers the environment, creates safe working conditions and partners with local organizations to support the surrounding communities and build economic capacity.
Mining industry leaders must expand their horizons and network with industries that are advanced in AI, mobility and more. There are many knowledgeable industries whose innovations could be applied to mining operations. Pay attention and engage; the answers might already be there.

Watch and Read the Experts’ Full Interviews:

The Government Researcher Janice Zinck Director of Green Mining Innovation - CanmetMINING "It will be imperative to reach the workforce and leaders of the future and to share the narrative on the role of mining in the reduction of climate change."

The Innovation Expert Francis Fournier President and CEO - COREM "The Canadian mining industry needs a clear national innovation agenda to deliver on its goals."

The Sustainability Expert Claudine Lee Head of Environment and Permitting - Dominion Diamond Mines "A sustainable mine must reduce its overall environmental footprint, create safe working conditions, and partner with local organizations to support the development of community projects."

The Mining Technologist Jeff More President & CEO - MineSense "Mining industry leaders should connect with companies who think very differently from them."