Local communities participate in downstream monitoring of the Margajita River, which runs adjacent to Barrick’s Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic. Community members collect water samples to be analyzed at independently certified laboratories. CIM Magazine, 2018
As we continue our month-long celebration of excellence at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum (CIM), we’re thrilled to showcase our outstanding sustainability awards. These awards highlight the innovative efforts and dedication of individuals, communities, and companies working to make a positive impact on our environment and society.
This week, let’s take a closer look at the Excellence in Sustainable Development Award and the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Awards, which honour remarkable achievements in sustainable development within the mining sector.
In 2022, the Excellence in Sustainable Development Award was presented to Skeena Resources Limited, a company revitalizing the Eskay Creek Mine in Tahltan Territory, British Columbia. Skeena is committed to creating a net positive impact economically, socially, and environmentally by stimulating local businesses, furthering reconciliation with First Nations, and encouraging low-carbon industries. Among their accomplishments in 2021 are the creation of the Tenh Dẕetle Conservancy, a C$122 million investment in the British Columbia economy, and a comprehensive socio economic baseline study of Tahltan Territory.
The 2022 TSM Award winner, De Beers Canada’s Gahcho Kué Mine, has taken an innovative approach to environmental collaboration through the Nà Hadi Xa initiative. This initiative, which means “People Watch the Land Together” in the Chipewyan Dëne Sųłné language, was established in 2014 in partnership with six Indigenous communities. Nà Hadi Xa is managed by a seven-member Governance Committee, with six members representing local Indigenous signatory communities, and one seat held by Gahcho Kué. The initiative provides a forum for collaborative environmental monitoring and management, with all policies and monitoring programs co-designed and approved by the Governance Committee. The success of Nà Hadi Xa, which prioritizes leadership by local Indigenous communities, can serve as a model for other mining projects and showcases the power of meaningful community engagement.
As CIM celebrates its 125th anniversary, we are proud to recognize the extraordinary achievements of our sustainability award winners. Their commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship is a testament to the excellence and innovation within the Canadian mining, metallurgy, and petroleum industries. Join us in celebrating these inspiring stories and stay tuned for more exciting highlights throughout the month!