CIM GLOBAL NEWS
October 2003
Growth on the Global Horizon for CIM
CIM's international growth is gaining momentum - the global mining community is becoming more involved, as efforts are made to reach out to new members around the world.
CIM Vice President International Rob Barber and the members of the CIM International Affairs Liaison Group (IALG) have laid out an action plan for the coming year, under the theme One International Member at a Time. With three main areas of focus, more volunteers are coming forward to assist CIM is finding contacts abroad and providing services to members in a diverse list of countries.
The first area of focus is to grow the number of international student members, with aims to have at least 200 by May 2005. Currently, CIM is in the early stages of creating a student chapter/CIM Branch in Bishkek, spearheaded by Tim Joseph. Feasibility work and details are underway. Other potential locations for student member groups in discussion include Germany and Brazil.
The second focus of IALG is to provide improved services to CIM international members. Work is ongoing to enhance the CIM website and improve communication with international members, spearheaded by IALG member Jane Spooner. As well, international members will be given the option of having their CIM Bulletins air mailed for a nominal annual fee on the upcoming Membership Renewal letters, to ensure a more timely delivery.
The final focus area is to grow the number of international members, with the aim to realize a 20% increase by May 2005 and establish two new Branches or sections. A number of MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) are in the works, in countries such as India and Mexico. Bish Chanda, an active CIM Member, will be travelling to India this November where he will meet with professionals from the local industry to investigate the possibility of establishing a constituency. Peter Edmunds, CIM Vice President District 3 and past-VP International, will be in Mexico this October, and will work towards the signing of MOUs with mining organizations there.
All in all, IALG members and other CIM volunteers are joining in the effort to branch out and serve professionals in other countries. CIM's strong knowledge-sharing role will be of benefit to mining industry professionals, operators and managers no matter where around the globe. As services for international members grow through a greater understanding of the needs of the global community, CIM will gain momentum around the world.
