Canada’s leadership in the global mining industry was the focus of discussion at the May 23 Biz Skule™ Networking Lecture Series event. Alumni, faculty and students gathered to learn more about this important industry, which in 2011 alone saw Canada produce more than $50-billion worth of minerals.
The newly transformed Lassonde Mining Building served as the backdrop for a panel discussion among alumni Ammar Al-Joundi (MechE 8T6) of Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd., Peter Eunson (MinE 0T0) of Kinross Gold Corporation, Moderator David Harquail, (GeoE 7T9) of Franco-Nevada Corporation and Donovan Pollitt (MinE 0T4) of Gold Mines Ltd.
“It is a testament to the significance of this industry that this evening, the engineering disciplines of our attendees are nearly split equally,” said Claire Kennedy (ChemE 8T9), event organizer and Biz Skule™ Chair, who noted the breadth of interest.
As the panel discussed, Canada’s leadership in the industry extends beyond the material level, but impacts upon the social as well.
“Mining doesn’t have the best legacy,” said Pollitt. The environmental effects of mining are well known, but Canadian companies are taking the lead when it comes to making sustainability a priority.
“We see ourselves as temporary users of the land,” said Eunson.
“That’s why Canada is so successful,” Al-Joundi chimed in. “… we are able to deal with these social issues better, doing the right thing for the environment and for the people.”
The panelists also discussed the changing culture of the business. In April, Postmedia reported on the mining industry boom and the growing demand for qualified professionals.
“You had a lack of people going into mining in the ’90s,” said Harquail. “Now you’ve got a lot of people who are coming into the industry, all ready to go.”
An estimated 100,000 new workers are needed by the mining industry over the next decade.
U of T Engineering is at the forefront of addressing that need, graduating students through the Lassonde Institute of Mining and Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program. Next September will see the launch of a new undergraduate Mineral Resources certificate for students.
“Today, no matter how many students graduate [from mining programs], there will be a job waiting for you,” said Pollitt.
With another successful season of Biz Skule™ events now concluded, planning for the fall has already begun. On September 27, guests will have the chance to hear from Dr.Dan Rosen (ChemE MASc 9T1, PhD 9T3), CEO of R2 Financial Technologies.
