CIM Staff - 09 October 2026

CPS 2026 Technical program highlights

The future of mining operations hinges on the success of capital projects—and in today’s market, the margin for error has never been smaller. Navigating tighter capital discipline, market volatility, and mounting stakeholder scrutiny requires a new level of alignment and strategy.

Finding certainty in that environment is the core focus of the Capital Projects Symposium (CPS) 2026, taking place November 8–10 at Toronto's Chelsea Hotel.

If you are involved in planning, financing, or executing major developments in the mining sector, here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know about this key industry event.

What is the symposium about?

CPS 2026 is a focused forum dedicated to the decisions that define mining capital project success. The global program spans three days of technical sessions, short courses, and networking events designed to address the full project lifecycle.

From securing financing and reducing early-stage execution risk to evaluating contracting strategies, navigating ESG expectations, and building resilient partnership models, the symposium focuses on practical, real-world insight. Attendees will dive into candid case studies exploring what worked, what failed, and what project teams would do differently to preserve value in volatile markets.

Pre-Conference Short Courses

• Making Data-Driven Maintenance, Rebuild, and Replacement Decisions: Practical Life Cycle Costing for Mines | Eric Delorme, Director of Asset Management, Systemex
• Mastering Operational Readiness: Strategies for Effective Project Lifecycle Management in the Era of Innovation and Energy Transition | Joffrey Gorin-Bouchard, Project Manager & Operational Readiness Expert, Kanari Management

Core Thematic Sessions & Keynotes

1. Geopolitics, Market Dynamics, and Resource Constraints Transforming the Capital Projects Landscape

• Keynote: Capital Projects Reimagined: The Capabilities That Will Define Industry Leaders | Theophile Yameogo, National Mining and Metals Co-Leader, EY
• Boardroom Scenario Planning: Building Projects with the Resilience to Withstand Uncertainty | Catherine Gignac, ICD.D, Chair of the Board of Directors, Cameco Corporation
• Talent Is a Long-Lead Item: Examining workforce development for critical minerals | Jamie Johnston, Dean of Mining, Trades, Technology, Apprenticeship, Northern College

2. Bridging the Gaps in Project Development and Finance

• Keynote | Building Value Through Disciplined Growth: Bridging Project Development and Capital Allocation | Ammar Al-Joundi, President & CEO, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
• Indigenous Partnerships as a Foundation for Project Finance | Reagan Harding, Director of Economic Development and Major Projects, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan
• Lessons from Over Thirty Years of Financing Mining Projects Around the World | Randy Smallwood, Chair of the Board & Director, Wheaton Precious Metals

3. Real Execution Results: The Power of Aligning Team, Capital & Schedule

• Keynote Address | The Honourable George Pirie
• Execution Excellence | Setting up Pak Lake for success through government and First Nation partnerships | Trevor Walker
• Faster, Smarter, Better: Capital allocation and portfolio growth strategies | Gertjan Bekkers, VP Technical Services, Discovery Mining Ltd

4. Cross-Sector Learning: Mining, Transit, Energy, and Infrastructure Converge

• Keynote Address | Isabella Chan, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Natural Resources Canada
• Setting up the Santa Cruz Copper Project for Success | Glen Kuntz, Chief Technical and Innovation Officer, Ivanhoe Electric Inc
• Partnership, Not Permission: What it actually takes to fast-track capital projects with First Nations | Jason Batise, Executive Director, Wabun Tribal Council
• Managing Execution Risk in Today’s Canada | Peter Blahnik, Partner, Capital Projects & Infrastructure, PwC Canada
• Integrating Infrastructure and Offtake of Major Energy Projects for Mining Development and Project Funding, using Churchill as an Example | Sandra Gogal, Partner, Cassels Brock & Blackwell

Why attend?

With over 250 expected delegates from multiple participating countries, CPS 2026 offers a unique opportunity to benchmark your project strategies against current industry standards.

• Improve decision-making: Gain a clearer understanding of the trade-offs and lessons that directly influence project performance.
• Learn from real experience: Move past theory and hear direct, honest perspectives on real-world project execution.
• Reduce risk: Discover proven strategies to protect capital and improve project delivery outcomes with greater certainty.
• Build critical connections: The symposium includes dedicated social events and receptions designed to foster collaboration and expand your professional network in a relaxed setting.

Who should attend?

CPS 2026 brings together a diverse ecosystem of decision-makers and experts from across the globe. This forum is essential for:

• Qualified Persons (QPs) & Resource Geologists: Those tasked with the rigorous quantification of geological risk and the maintenance of reporting integrity.
• Mine Planning & Process Engineers: Professionals responsible for converting theoretical resources into economic reserves through optimized mine designs and metallurgical strategies.
• Capital Market Professionals & Investors: Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of technical due diligence and the nuances of risk management in mining portfolios.
• Regulators & Policy Makers: Officials focused on the evolution of international reporting standards (such as NI 43-101 or JORC) and the implementation of transparent governance.
• ESG & Sustainability Directors: Strategists looking to integrate social license and environmental stewardship directly into the mineral estimation framework.

When market pressures are high, being nimble and collaborative is the ultimate competitive advantage. Join the conversation this November and help shape the future of mining’s next capital cycle.

Learn more and register today on the official CPS 2026 website.

Technical session schedules, topics, and speakers are subject to change.