04 May 2025

Candace MacGibbon: Charting a collaborative course for Canadian mining

Candace MacGibbon recently stepped into the role of President of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum (CIM), bringing with her over 30 years of experience in the mining sector. With a deep-rooted connection to the industry, stemming from her Sudbury upbringing and her father's career as a geologist, MacGibbon is poised to lead CIM to create even more opportunities for collaboration to empower our members to drive innovation in our industry. In this interview, she shares her insights on the industry's challenges, the importance of collaboration, and her vision for CIM's future.

Q: How did you first get involved in the mining industry?

MacGibbon: I was born in Sudbury and lived briefly in Copper Cliff. Growing up, my father, Terry MacGibbon, a passionate geologist and advocate for Canadian mining, moved our family across Canada. I started working in the industry during high school and have been involved from various perspectives ever since. I believe strongly in the Canadian resource industry's crucial role in the global transition to net-zero. To maintain Canada's economic strength, our resource companies must prioritize innovation, sustainability, and advocacy.

Q: What has kept you engaged in the mining industry for so long?

MacGibbon: While the industry offers endless intellectual challenges, my passion stems from the people and communities we work with. Mining executives, employees, community leaders, and industry partners—we're a collective making a daily impact, supplying critical materials for global development.

Q: If you could give your 25-year-old self advice, what would it be?

MacGibbon: I'd tell her to continue working hard, remain humble, embrace continuous learning, and seize opportunities, even without a clear path. And maybe take a few more vacations!

Q: Having held top positions in various organizations, what insights can you share with the CIM community?

MacGibbon: The resource sector faces significant challenges, including negative public perception, funding issues, permitting hurdles, and talent shortages. My experience has shown me that unprecedented industry collaboration is crucial to address these systemic issues. CIM members have a unique opportunity to unite and tackle these challenges effectively.

Q: What value has CIM membership brought to your career, and what value does it hold for others?

MacGibbon: CIM provides a platform for technical learning and collaboration. Although I'm not an engineer, I've seen the immense value of CIM's contributions, like the NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. I urge all members to inform their colleagues in law, accounting, HR, and IT about CIM's relevance. It can serve as a hub for industry players to advance our collective goals.

Q: How will the mining industry and CIM need to adapt moving forward?

MacGibbon: The industry must collaborate at an unprecedented level to rebuild public and political trust. Innovation and collaboration are key to addressing safety and environmental concerns. I have great faith in Canadian mining companies, and CIM will support them on this journey.

Q: What is your vision for CIM during your presidency and beyond?

MacGibbon: CIM is comprised of an extraordinary network of professionals working in the mining and resource industries, including the OEM’s, the operators, and service providers. My vision to support the growth of the industry, is to harness the unparalleled experience of our Canadian professionals to solidify Canada’s enviable position as an international leader in technical excellence, financing, safety, sustainability, and responsibly community partnerships.

Candace MacGibbon's vision for CIM emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. As the mining industry faces unprecedented challenges, her leadership aims to unite professionals and strengthen Canada's position on the global stage. Events like CIM CONNECT provide opportunities for industry professionals to network, learn, and collaborate. By attending, you’ve contributed to shaping the future of the minerals, metals, and energy industries, ensuring Canada remains a powerhouse of resource development.