Coal Award - Winner 2007
Michael P. LipkewichVancouver, BC
“In recognition of a career dedicated to the betterment of CIM, the efficiency of the coal industry, and the future of the next generation.”
Mike Lipkewich graduated from the University of Alberta in 1961 with a B.A.Sc. in mining engineering. He worked for Inco and Placer Dome and joined Teck Cominco Corporation in 1970, where he was the general manager at four mines.
Mike was responsible for construction of the Bullmoose mine in British Columbia and the Louvicourt mine in Quebec, and played a significant role in the construction of the Antamina copper and zinc mine in Peru. He has been responsible for mine construction and operations at Teck since 1987 and recently played a key role in the merger and subsequent rationalization of the six metallurgical coal operations that were owned by Teck, Fording River and Luscar to form Elk Valley Coal, now the second largest metallurgical coal exporter in the world.
Mike has written a number of papers, given numerous presentations on mine operations and management, and served on various industry committees and boards. He retired in September 2006 following 45 years in the industry, with 36 years at Teck Cominco.