CIM

Excellence in Sustainable Development Award

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Excellence in Sustainable Development Award

For excellence in sustainable development

Origins & Conditions

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History

The Excellence in Sustainable Development Award (formerly the Syncrude Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development) promotes the Canadian minerals industry as an active seeker of sustainability solutions that engage and affect the Canadian public. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable development includes the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of economic development, social development and environmental protection. This award recognizes extraordinary systems, programs or processes that have far-reaching and positive sustainability effects in all industry sectors across Canada. It recognizes those individuals, communities, organizations, corporations or academics that are working to create economic wealth while mitigating environmental impacts and acting inclusively towards all segments of society.

Purpose

To promote the Canadian minerals industry as an active seeker of sustainability solutions that engage and affect the Canadian public

Criteria

The award shall be made to an individual, community, organization, corporation, or academic, not necessarily a CIM national member, and whose contribution:
- Adds value to the minerals industry's sustainable management practices 
- Has an effect on several corporations and organizations in more than one isolated circumstance; 
- Features people or tangible qualities that the public can relate to; 
- Has a positive impact in one or more area of the three pillars of sustainability: environment, economy, and social.

Recipients

There is only one recipient of this award each year. This award may be given to an individual or an organization.

Winners

2026

Rio Tinto, Diavik Diamond Mine

Rio Tinto's Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories was in operation since 2003, and recently completed production in March 2026. It is currently undertaking decommissioning activities in preparation for closure and reclamation, which will continue until 2029. It has produced more diamonds than any other diamond mine in Canada, with over 150 million carats. 

Diavik is a leading example of a modern mine that was constructed with award-winning engineering, and which operated safely for its people, the communities, and with respect for the natural environment. Diavik’s goal is to become a leading example of a successfully closed mine, where closure activities are carried out responsibly, safely, on schedule, and with respect for the traditional knowledge of the original land users.

2025

Jenifer Hill

Jenifer Hill is an ecologist with a masters in environmental management and over 25 years of experience bringing strategic solutions to the mining industry. She has a broad range of experience in baseline studies, impact assessment, mitigation planning, permitting, waste, water and biodiversity management, as well as due diligence assessments for acquisitions and financing. She is a contributing author to CIM’s ESG Guidelines and past chair of CIM’s Environmental and Social Responsibility Society (ESRS). Jenifer is a contributing author to IGF’s (Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development) environmental impact and management guidance documents for governments. She is also a regular UBC Department of Mining Engineering guest lecturer on permitting.