CIM

Mel Bartley Outstanding Branch Award

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Mel W. Bartley Outstanding Branch Award

For the CIM Branch demonstrating the most progress

Origins & Conditions

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After graduating with a PhD from the University of Toronto, Mel W. Bartley held important positions at several mining and exploration companies: chief geologist and engineer for Steep Rock Iron Mines, exploration manager for Cliffs of Canada and principal emeritus of Lakehead University, to name a few.

As president of CIM from 1975 to 1976, he created the concept of District and Divisional technical meetings at CIM. The Mel W. Bartley Outstanding Branch Award was created in 1977, before his death in 1986.

The Mel W. Bartley Outstanding Branch Award is to be awarded annually to the Branch judged to have made the most progress toward achieving the aims and objectives of the Institute. 

The Mel W. Bartley Outstanding Branch Award criteria and other information:

  1. The award is to be presented to the CIM Branch demonstrating the most effective progress in reaching the aims and objectives of the Institute. Criteria for selection:

    (a) Points for the increase in CIM Branch Membership.

    (b) Points for the increase in CIM National Membership within the Branch.

    (c) Points for the development of special guest speaker programs.

    (d) Points for the utilization of CIM Distinguished Lecturers program.

    (e) Points for the participation in District activities.

    (f) Points for the participation in programs developed and suggested by CIM National Office.

    (g) Points for the development of local Branch activities to meet the needs of the local industry community.

  2. The award shall be presented on an annual basis, but no more than one award may be made in any given year.
  3. CIM National Office will forward to the Branches an entry form that addresses the "Criteria for Selection."
  4. The Selection Committee, chaired by the Central District Vice-President and consisting of the District Vice-Presidents, shall make its decision not later than March 31, of the year of presentation of the award.
  5. The Selection Committee shall present the nominations to CIM Council no later than the last Council Meeting held prior to the next CIM Convention.
  6. When approved, the award shall be presented at the CIM Convention.

Recipients

There is only one recipient of this award every year. This award is solely for CIM Branches.

Winners

2025

CIM Quebec Branch

CIM Quebec is a dynamic branch made up of 12 volunteers from the mining community. Activities are organized to promote networking among industry players in the Quebec City region. Its members are professionals, suppliers of goods and services, researchers and students with a passion for the mining sector. The section offers six annual conferences on various aspects of the mining industry. In addition to these conferences, it organizes an annual symposium, where 2025 marked the third edition of “Spotlight on Mining and Metallurgical Projects." The 2024-2025 season launched a new activity, the “Crétamine” challenge, which enables Université Laval students to demonstrate their knowledge and technical skills in the mining sector. Growing participation testifies to the section's success in bringing together regional players in the mining industry.

2024

Northern Gateway Branch

There are no mines in the North Bay region; however, North Bay mining suppliers can be found in mines around the globe. The CIM Northern Gateway branch’s mandate is to develop networking opportunities for local suppliers through annual events such as their Seafood Mixer and Golf Tournament, and they fundraise to bring a higher level of understanding of the minerals industry to local elementary and high schools. 

In 2023 they achieved a milestone of 750 local students taught through their annual Mining Matters interactive classrooms. They also piloted a program with industry partners to host the region’s first Mine Opportunity Challenge for 100 local high school students. At the end of 2023 they partnered with North Bay’s very own TEAM1305 Robotics team by committing to fund the team over a three-year period. 

The successes of the branch would not be possible without for a dedicated group of volunteers. With 20+ year members mentoring the next generation of leadership, the Northern Gateway is forging ahead with new ideas backed by extensive experience, and they will continue to promote the mining industry through creative initiatives.