/R E P E A T -- CIM Convention 2015 spotlights mining's "New Dimensions": innovation, leadership and the future/

MONTREAL, May 5, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The theme "New Dimensions" will drive critical discussions about topical issues impacting the mining industry – innovation, leadership, employment and more – at CIM Convention 2015 taking place at the Palais des congrès de Montréal from May 10 to 13. This year's event, organized by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, is expected to draw in more than 6,000 mining industry participants from Canada and around the globe.

"The basis of what we do in the minerals industry does not change, but how we do it does," says CIM president Sean Waller. "Every year, there are new developments in technology, new strategies in community engagement, and new applications for the products of mining products that are key to our everyday lives. The theme of the conference, 'New Dimensions,' reflects the new opportunities for improvement in every sector of our industry and the conference program is structured to provide a window where those in the global minerals industry can see and hear the latest developments."

A stimulating Plenary Session will launch the three-day event, arranged under 12 thematic streams. Jean Lapierre, one of Quebec's most-respected media personalities, will moderate the session, which will be opened by the Honorable Minister for International Trade, Edward Fast.

The distinguished panel will be comprised of some of the industry's top officials including Pierre Lapointe, president and CEO at ArcelorMittal Canada; Jean Robitaille, senior vice-president, Business Strategy & Technical Services, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.; Greg Lilleyman, Group executive, Technology and Innovation, Rio Tinto; Andrew Scott, senior director, Mining Information Technology and Automation, Barrick Gold; and Kristan Straub, vice-president, Glencore Mine Raglan. Some plenary speakers will be available for interviews from the press following the session.

For the first time ever, many of CIM's constituent societies have joined forces to sponsor this year's Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception. Their collaboration underscores one common interest: one CIM.

"This is an absolute must-attend convention for more reasons than one," says Hani Mitri, general chair of CIM Convention 2015 and professor of mining engineering at McGill University. "Whether you are a geologist or an engineer, a manager or an operator, a researcher or a practitioner, an educator or a student, you will find something exciting for you in Montreal 2015. The Technical Program promises to deliver the latest in mining innovations and strategies for operational excellence, as well as a focus on iron ore projects, among many others."

The Technical Program will feature 12 thematic streams including Environmental Paradigms; Innovation – Present and Future; West Africa; Women in Mining; Operational Excellence; Maintenance Engineering & Underground Mining; Explosives & Blasting; Geology; Management & Finance Day. Of the 12 streams, three are separate symposia: Iron Ore, Ethics in Mining and Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences.

ISRM: The 13^th annual International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) Congress is being held in conjunction with CIM Convention 2015. ISRM's Technical Program is divided into 20 tracks including Application of geophysics in rock mechanics; Prediction and modelling; Slope stability and landslides; and Role of uncertainties in rock engineering design, among others.

The EXPO!: Also held in conjunction with this year's convention is the 32^nd instalment of the Expo!, Canada's mining marketplace with 475 exhibiting companies featuring the latest in mining equipment, tools, technologies and services.

M4S: CIM's 10^th annual educational outreach initiative, Mining 4 Society (M4S), is expected to attract more than 4,000 students and teachers over the three-day period. M4S demonstrates why mining is important to our society and it showcases the industry's exciting career opportunities, a key component of the event since an estimated 140,000 vacant jobs are anticipated within the next five years. M4S will feature eight interactive pavilions exploring various activities of the full mining cycle.

The Palais des congrès de Montréal will be filled for the duration of the event, and six hotels in the neighbourhood are already booked with close to 5,000 guests.

A Press Room will be available on site at the CIM Convention for registered press representatives. Press interested in attending the event are invited to register online at CIM 2015 Convention – Media Centre.

About CIM

The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) is the leading professional association for the minerals industry with more than 14,000 members across Canada and globally. CIM is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge as well as the promotion of networking, innovation and sustainable practices for the mining industry.

SOURCE Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)

Zoe Koulouris, CIM Communications Coordinator, [email protected], Tel.: [phone], ext. 1339, Cell: [phone]