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05 May 2026
The 2026 CIM Awards Gala featured over 20 industry awards that celebrate the extraordinary achievements of more than 50 individuals and organizations within the minerals and metals industry.
This year saw a record-breaking number of nominations showcasing the achievements of this highly engaged and motivated minerals, metals, and energy industry, and its commitment to excellence.
The Career Excellence Awards are highly competitive and act as a benchmark of achievement in our industry. Recipients are often pioneers and leaders who epitomize success and innovation within their respective fields.
Medal for Meritorious Contributions to Mining – Ian Pearce, Non-Executive Director and Senior Advisor
Ian Pearce has helped define CIM strategy, strengthened governance and supported a collaborative, diverse, and sustainable future for Canada’s resource sector.
Selwyn Blaylock Canadian Mining Excellence Award – Doris Hiam-Galvez, Designing Sustainable Prosperity
Doris Hiam-Galvez has been a transformative leader, pioneering sustainable mining through the DSP model, advancing innovative technologies and fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
CIM Distinguished Service Medal – George Darling, CEO, MRMR Consulting
George Darling has demonstrated long-standing service to CIM and dedicated leadership in advancing underground mining practices, professional development, and technical excellence within the Canadian mining sector.
CIM has had a long tradition of honouring those who have made exceptional contributions in various fields related to this industry. Their dedication continues to make Canada's mining industry a unique influencer in the global minerals and metals landscape.
The CIM Awards were presented at the Awards Gala, sponsored by Caterpillar and its Canadian dealers, on Monday, May 4, 2026, during the CIM CONNECT Convention at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
This year's recipients:
More awards and award winners will be announced after the gala!
CIM President Award 2025-2026 Candace MacGibbon
Mining Safety Leadership Medal Kelly Strong
Fellowship Award Edouard Asselin; Mathieu Brochu; Donald S. Jones; Kristian Waters
CIM Distinguished Service Medal George Darling
Selwyn Blaylock Canadian Mining Excellence Award Doris Hiam-Galvez
Medal for Meritorious Contributions to Mining, sponsored by Vale Base Metals Ian Pearce
Diversity & Inclusion Award Tina Gauthier
CIM Indigenous Partnership Award MFQ (Champion Iron) and the Uashat mak Mani-utenam community
Excellence in Sustainable Development Award Rio Tinto, Diavik Diamond Mine
Canadian Young Mining Leaders Award (sponsored by Bedford Group) Ryan Weymark; Stephen Gravel; Courtney Gendron; Nipuni Amaratunga
CIM District Distinguished Service Award Donald Leroux - Eastern District; Bernie Robertson - Central District (Posthumously); Tuan Truong - Western District
Mel W. Bartley Outstanding Branch Award CIM Montreal Branch
Mining Engineering Outstanding Achievement Award Donna Beneteau
Robert Elver Mineral Economics Award Joe Hinzer
Hatch – CIM Mining & Minerals Project Development Safety Award Upper Beaver Project, Agnico Eagle
CIM Rock Mechanics Award Douglas Milne
CIM Outstanding Student Chapter Award Memorial University CIM Student Chapter
50 Year Club Bill Shaver; Norah J. Allman; Richard Allan; Glenn C. Blachford; G. Tom Colbourne; C. Gwyneth Cathyl-Huhn; Chuck Edwards; Russell E. Hallbauer; John Keenan; George A. Mealey; Deborah McCombe; Jan Edward Nesset; Geoffrey C. Oldroyd; Engin Ozberk; John R. Parry; Christopher Pickles; Peter Reynolds
CIM congratulates all award recipients!
