20 December 2019

For Immediate Release

CIM and Science North Collaborate on a Nationwide Program to Increase Mineral Literacy for Canadians

MONTRÉAL, December 19, 2019 – The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum (CIM) has partnered with Science North to develop a mineral literacy program to increase and improve public awareness of the minerals and metals industry.

“Our Earth’s Riches” will go above and beyond anything ever contemplated before in the mining industry in terms of public outreach and engagement. Designed to be on display throughout Canada over a five-year period and to engage as many as 1.5 million Canadian children and family members, this 6,000 sq. ft. interactive exhibition will be on full-time display at science centres and museums across the country.

Our Earth’s Riches will showcase a high-tech industry critical to our quality of life, and is focused on sustainability with the goal to increase public awareness of the minerals and metals industry. The project, which has been reviewed by the Government of Canada, supports the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan. CIM will be exploring ways in which Our Earth’s Riches can play a key part in the federal government’s mineral literacy goals. 

“This really is a step change in terms of public outreach for the mining industry and we believe it will increase awareness of the importance of minerals to our quality of life,” said Roy Slack, President of CIM. “We are excited to be working with Science North to create a memorable experience for visitors. We intend to display the high-tech nature of the minerals and mining industry, and our sector’s commitment to safe and sustainable development.” 

“This game-changing initiative supports one of CIM’s key strategic goals of demonstrating the essential contribution that the minerals industry makes to society,” added Angela Hamlyn, CIM’s Chief Executive Officer. “We feel that this will have a significant impact in changing public perception in an interactive and educative manner.” 

A fund-raising program is underway to help build the project. For more information on how companies or individuals can help, visit the Our Earth’s Riches website at https://www.cim.org/earthsriches. 

About CIM 

The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) has served as the leading technical industry institute in Canada for the past 121 years. CIM is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, facilitation of innovation, the celebration of excellence and the promotion of sustainable practices across the full spectrum of Canada’s minerals, metals, materials and petroleum industries. 

About Science North 

Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource operating the second- and eighth-largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel. Science North also oversees an award-winning International Sales unit, which develops custom and ready-made exhibits and multimedia experiences for sale to science centres, museums, and other cultural institutions all over the world.   

Media Contact

Lorent Dione 
Director of IT, Membership and Communications 
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)
Phone: (514) 833-6381  
ldione@cim.org