History
The Institute was incorporated by an Act of the Parliament of Canada in 1898 as the Canadian Mining Institute. In 1920, it became the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and in 1990, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. The Mining Society of Nova Scotia, incorporated in 1887, is affiliated with the Institute.
The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), the leading technical society of professionals associated with the Canadian minerals and materials industry, has 11,000 members from industry, government and academia who are dedicated to the discovery, production, utilization and economics of minerals, metals and petroleum. Thousands more are also involved as CIM Branch members all across Canada. CIM periodicals also reach 2,000 other subscribers across the world in various universities and libraries. Most CIM members live in Canada although around 1,000 live abroad.
A breakdown of CIM membership by Society and Division and by various membership categories is presented in the Orientation Manual.
Historical Background
Canada is a country rich in natural resources. Part of our heritage, they have shaped the evolution of Canada. The minerals-related industries have, therefore, played an integral part in developing Canada into the great nation we know today.
Just before the turn of the twentieth century, mining became one of the largest industries in the country. Without the technology and knowledge we have today, the hazards were greater, the production slower. Canadians continued working to improve their tools and knowledge, to advance the productivity of the industry and to seek preventative measures to lower the danger faced by many miners. It is this type of dedication amongst the players of the industry that gave birth to CIM and has been responsible for the remarkable changes witnessed in the mining, metals and energy industries over the past century.
The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum was the result of individuals in the mining industry seeking a vehicle for lobbying for safety laws and workers' protection, as well as a method of ensuring the communication of ideas. Led by a very capable group of dedicated members, the Institute soon came to attract new members from all across Canada. In 1998, we celebrated CIM's centennial, looking back over the past 100 years and recognizing CIM's success. CIM has grown from a small association to Canada's leading professional association for the minerals related industries, with technical internt groups called Societies, Divisions and Committees and around 60 local Branches across Canada and one overseas.
CIM has always maintained three main objectives, and will continue to focus on them. The objectives, the facilitation of exchange of knowledge and technology, fraternity, and the recognition of excellence, are what attract members to CIM. Through conferences, publications and awards, CIM members enjoy a sense of community within the Canadian mining, metals and energy industries, and are able to make contacts across the country and stay on top of the latest technological innovations shaping the industry.
As we look towards the future, it is important to note that the strongest aspect of CIM, its very backbone, is its members. CIM works to serve its members through the efforts of the many volunteers who dedicate themselves to conferences and publications.
Membership is strong, making CIM strong. CIM represents an outstanding group of individuals whose expertise will guarantee a bright future not only for CIM, but for the Canadian mining, metals and energy industries at large.
For a summary of Historical Highlights click here.