The need for sustainable solutions in our industry has never been more important, and the challenges to achieve this goal are tremendous.  When the big mining consolidations started, many company technology centers closed their doors and the hiring of young professionals slowed, a knowledge gap was created. CMIC, along with other organizations, have been working hard to bridge this gap by promoting consortia that focus on innovative projects that can disrupt the industry. Focused mandates, shared risks, shared rewards seem to be a pathway that makes the most sense. Technology is a competitive advantage, but the real advantage is how established companies make the best use of this technology. Gone are the days of developing technology for one company to exploit. Government funding to support these disruptive technologies is also key.   It creates an urgency to get things done and, of course, lowers the risk. 

The discussion will focus on some of these CMIC led projects along with the added benefits of working with open-minded, intelligent, and motivated professionals across our industry.  The presentation will touch upon how we can better educate investors that Innovation and R&D are different. By investing in Innovation, they will see a return in the company’s long-term growth. We need to collectively find a way to raise the bar and make the investment community aware that there is money to be made by investing in disruptive mining technologies that will propel our industry into the next decade.  The time is now to innovate, and it is best said by Henry Ford, “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.”