Distinguished Lecturers - Description
CIM Distinguished Lecturers are chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in scientific, technical, management or educational activities related to the minerals industry, and speak at CIM Branch meetings across the country. Click here to request a Lecturer.
Sponsored by Atlas Copco and the Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Foundation.
This Year's Winners | 2011-2012
Click on names below for quick navigation.
Klaus Kacy | Bernhard Klein | Barbara Kirby & Jim Utley | A. Hamid Mumin | William Westgate
Klaus KacyWestbank, BC
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the international mining industry in the advancement of mine hoist controls.
Klaus Kacy is a senior technical consultant at ABB Automation-Canada. He has a M.Sc. in control engineering from Gliwice Technical University, Poland. Klaus started his mining career in 1968 as a foreman in a coal mine in Poland. Later, he was appointed to set up an automation centre for coal mines.
In 1979, Klaus moved to Nigeria as the principal lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic, where he was recognized for outstanding academic achievement. In 1982, he joined ABB (ASEA) South Africa, where he was involved in mine hoist-related activities, including marketing, design, commissioning and field services.
In 1987, Klaus was transferred to ABB Canada, where he developed a technical team for the ABB Mine Hoist Group serving North America, which today is one of the best mine hoist teams in the world. During his 43-year professional career, Klaus was involved in many development projects; his research and development work has resulted in more than 30 patents.
As Distinguished Lecturer Klaus Kacy will present:
Modern Hoisting Systems
This lecture deals with new developments in mine hoisting. Advantages and disadvantages of modern hoisting technology are presented.
The following topics will be addressed in the presentation:
- Modern hoist concepts
- Hoist drive systems – development history and features of the latest technologies in mine hoist drives
- Presentation and features of modern hoist control systems
- Modern hoist control desks
- Remote control of mine hoists
- Modern brake systems – requirements
- Brake control systems – different configurations
Bernhard KleinOttawa, ON
For outstanding contributions and innovations in mineral processing and his strong promotion of mining and mineral education.
Bernhard Klein is department head and associate professor at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia. He is a professional engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC.
Bernhard obtained his B.Sc. and PhD degrees in mining and mineral processing engineering from UBC in 1985 and 1992, respectively. In 1997, he joined the Department of Mining Engineering at UBC as assistant professor, and was promoted to associate professor in 2003. He was appointed as department head in 2008.
As Distinguished Lecturer Bernhard Klein will present:
Energy Efficiency in Mining
Canada is a resource-rich country with significant industrial developments in the mining sector, which account for roughly 4.5 per cent of the country’s GDP or over $36 billion per annum. The production of metals is an inherently energy-intensive endeavor: for example the BC minerals industry currently accounts for 5 per cent of BC Hydro’s grid production capacity, which is equivalent to 2500 GW hours of power use per annum. Although energy rates are considered low in areas serviced by the electrical grid, they still account for a large portion of operational costs. In remote areas, away from the electrical grid, energy production diesel generation is much more expensive. In either case, it is clear that energy costs will increase in the future, and improvements that can be made in energy efficiency will directly impact the bottom line.
Comminution is the single largest use of energy in mining and milling operations. In large open pit mines, comminution accounts for as much as 70 per cent of the overall energy consumption during mining and milling operations.
This presentation reviews opportunities for increased efficiency and energy recovery, and assesses technologies that can significantly impact energy use in mining. It will focus on technologies that reduce energy usage for comminution:- Pre-concentration of run-of-Mmne (ROM) ore
- Applications of high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR)
- High-speed stirred grinding mills
From previous research, it is estimated that the introduction of these technologies can reduce the amount of energy required for comminution by at least 20 per cent.
Barbara Kirby
Ottawa, ON
Jim Utley
Vancouver, BC
For their outstanding contributions and leadership in the development of the Canadian mining industry’s first national worker certification program.
Barbara Kirby
Barbara Kirby is the senior director of workforce development at the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) where she leads key initiatives that contribute to the skills recognition and mobility of Canadian mining workers. Since 2006, her work with MiHR has focused on developing the Canadian Mining Credentials Program (CMCP) and in early 2011, the first group of certified miners was awarded nationally recognized credentials (an industry first).
In a career spanning several decades, Barbara’s efforts have primarily focused on forging strong relationships between industry and education, both in Canada and in developing countries. She has authored numerous articles on skills, learning and mobility in the Canadian mining industry and has been an invited speaker at many related events. Formerly the manager of accreditation and certification at the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council, Kirby holds a master's degree in economics from the University of Guelph.
Jim Utley
Jim Utley has been vice-president, Human Resources of Teck Resources Limited since 1998. He joined Cominco Limited in 1991 as manager of human resources for Trail Operations. Prior to joining Teck, Jim held senior human resource and industrial relations positions in Alberta and British Columbia, including director of employee relations at Telus and industrial relations manager at Rio Tinto Alcan’s Kingston plant.
Jim holds a BA in commerce and economics from Simon Fraser University and an Associate in Arts Diploma from Douglas College. He is currently a member of the Salvation Army Vancouver Advisory Board and the Belkin House Community Council. Additionally, Jim is a member of the Douglas College board of directors and served on the board of the British Columbia Industry Training Authority from 2003-2008.
As Distinguished Lecturers Barbara Kirby and Jim Utley will present:
Canadian Mining Credentials Program – Certification: Recognizing and Retaining Skills
The latest research report distributed by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) estimates that between now and 2020, the industry will need to hire approximately 100,000 workers to support growth in the industry and replace retiring workers. Approximately 20 per cent of these new hires will be required in skilled occupations that have, up until now, lacked a national recognition system; these occupations include production miners, development miners, heavy equipment operators and mill operators. The Canadian Mining Credentials Program will change this through the recognition of skills and competencies, worker mobility and the creation of consistent, quality training for the mining and minerals exploration industry in Canada.
This presentation will focus on the complex collaborative effort required to design and develop this program, key observations from the pilot sites, and why the program forms an essential part of the industry strategy to address the looming labour shortage. The credentials program, six years in development, will not only positively impact the dynamics of worker mobility and recognition, but will now form the basis for certifying other unrecognized occupations, as prioritized by industry.
A. Hamid MuminBrandon, MB
For his ground-breaking work in the identification and discovery of Iron Oxide Copper-Gold deposits.
Hamid Mumin graduated in geo-engineering from the University of Toronto in 1985, where he also completed a M.A.Sc. in economic geology. He completed a doctorate degree and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Western Ontario in 1994. Hamid has worked as a mine, exploration and research geologist, as a project manager in Canada, Africa and South America, and has participated in a number of resource discoveries and developments. He joined Brandon University in 1995 where he currently teaches economic geology. Hamid has published numerous papers and technical reports on economic geology, and is co-editor of “Ore Mineral Atlas” and “Exploration for Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Deposits: Canada and World Analogues.”
As the 2007-2008 president of Geoscientists Canada, Hamid tackled the problems geoscientist encounter with mobility and registration. He remains dedicated to mineral exploration, responsible development and the geology of mineral deposits.
As Distinguished Lecturer A. Hamid Mumin will present:
Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Deposits in Genetic Context
Hydrothermal iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits inspire controversy and debate over their classification, origin and, in particular, their relationship to a variety of disparate deposit groups. The IOCG deposit-type proper is comprised of a recognizable group of hydrothermal, primarily igneous-associated deposits with: i) greater than 15 to 20% hydrothermal magnetite and/or hematite genetically associated with economic mineralization; ii) economic accumulation of one or more of Fe, Cu, Au, U, Ag, Co, Bi, Mo ± a variety of other metals in minor or localized concentrations; and iii) spatially extensive and diagnostic hydrothermal systems characterized by a core zone of higher temperature alkali-iron (Na-K-Fe) alteration, and distal lower temperature K-Fe-Ca-Si alteration.
A genetic and spatial association of IOCG systems to porphyry copper, iron oxide apatite, iron oxide copper-gold, skarn and epithermal deposit types is well manifested in the 1.9 to 1.8 Ga Great Bear Magmatic Zone (GBMZ) in the Northwest Territories, where superb preservation and bedrock exposure provide a measure of much needed clarity. Felsic to intermediate stratovolcano complexes are preserved intermittently along the GBMZ. Their subvolcanic intrusions generated giant IOCG fertile systems, which in some areas spatially exceed 100 square kilometres in exposed extent. Within the same hydrothermal systems are found a continuum of porphyry, IOCG and epithermal deposit styles that, in isolation and out of context, can be mistaken for disparate and unrelated events.
In modelling the IOCG deposits of the GBMZ, a pattern of alteration, mineralization and geotectonic setting emerges that is both distinctly different, yet clearly resembles some classic porphyry systems. Some of the underlying reasons for these similarities and differences are illustrated and discussed. Most importantly, placing IOCG systems in their global genetic context provides very attractive and robust models for exploration of igneous-hydrothermal systems.
William WestgateSt. Paul, MN, USA
For his visionary leadership and passionate efforts and determination in creating a sustainable future for the minerals’ industry.
William Westgate graduated from Queen’s University with a master’s degree in science (chemistry). He has spent most of his working career with 3M. In 1998, Will used his 15 per cent creative time” to innovate a new business model to sell the Big 3M to the mining market for 3M Canada. He is currently the global business manager for 3M Mining and Minerals Extraction Emerging Business Opportunity, based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Will is passionate about creating a sustainable future for mining and a memorable experience for all stakeholders.
As Distinguished Lecturer William Westgate will present:
Processes and Collaboration Propelling Innovation through Execution
The Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) coordinates research and development efforts across Canada to realize the full potential of integrated, collaborative, applied research that solves existing and future issues in the mining industry. With the active support of CIM, MAC, PDAC, CAMESE, NRCan and others, CMIC has initiated the prioritization of research needs in the full spectrum of mining-related activities.
Major research initiatives are now underway, or being implemented, in exploration, mineral extraction, mineral processing, energy use, sustainable mining and tailings. Collaboration among industry, research and government partners is creating new tools to help keep the Canadian mining industry economically secure, safe, and environmentally responsible. This will help keep mining a vital component of Canada's economic growth and a major employer of Canadians, both directly and indirectly.
The mining industry in Canada has the potential to lead the global effort in terms of safety, technology and environmental sustainability. Together, research and industry must foster the ingenuity of our greatest national resource: our people. Thus, we can create a collaborative community and culture for mining. CMIC aims to see Canada as a world leader both in the implementation of mining innovation and in fostering a world-class mining research community. Canada has demonstrated excellence in both areas, but the best is yet to come.
To request a Lecturer or for further information, please contact:
Distinguished Lecturers ProgramCommunications Department - CIM
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Tel.: (514) 939-2710
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E-mail: programs@cim.org