The International Minerals Innovation Institute

The mining industry in Saskatchewan is blossoming. The province’s uranium mines produce 30% of the world’s uranium, which has created a multitude of jobs for people seeking employment in the mining industry. The jobs are in the high income bracket and demand specialized training for employees. The International Mineral Innovation Institute (IMII) is a college with a difference; they specialize in training students to work in the mining industry. The Institute wants skilled people to support Saskatchewan’s mining industry and to provide leadership and capacity building in the development programs, technical certificate, and undergraduate and post graduate programs to prepare students for the minerals industry.

International Mineral Institute_Jan2015

International Minerals Institute. Photo courtesy of Northlands College.

The Institute’s goal is to deliver sustainable capacity expansion for skills development through innovative education and training programs that can adjust to cycles in the market and developing technologies. Innovation is enhanced through research and development and knowledge transfer. The Institute wants to serve as a catalyst to address industry wide education, research issues, and opportunities and to attract and retain skilled people who can strengthen Saskatchewan’s industrial capacity and enhance industry sustainability.

IMII is working to close gaps between skills development and state of the art technologies through advanced education and training and innovative research and development. A strong emphasis on leadership from all participants is a catalyst for continuous improvement in safety, minimizing environmental impact, social responsibility, and financial prudence. IMII opened its doors in 2012. On the board of directors were Cameco, the University of Saskatchewan, and Innovation Saskatchewan, a rare partnership of corporation, university, and government. IMII’s long term goal is to position Saskatchewan to be the world’s most innovative and efficient minerals jurisdiction through excellent education and training and research development partnerships. These are lofty goals, but so far they have implemented all their promises, which means we can be optimistic about their future.