Women in Mining forum to spotlight workplace diversity at CIM 2013 Convention

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Workplace diversity in both the mining and broader business communities will be the topic of discussion at the Women in Mining (WIM) forum on May 7 from 14:00 to 17:00. The forum will take be held in conjunction with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's CIM 2013 Convention taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from May 5 to 8.

Clare Beckton, executive director of Carleton University's Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership, will moderate the event, and Susan Gaugush, underground mining service manager at Caterpillar Global Mining, will be the keynote speaker.

"Many studies have shown that greater gender diversity in corporate leadership results in higher profits for corporation and brings in new ideas, talents and approaches," said Beckton. "Mining companies have the opportunity to exercise leadership to systematically change their culture and branding to welcome greater diversity. Action now is needed to remain competitive in the race for talent and new ideas."

Panelists will include:

• Sylvia Apostolidis, senior director and consultant, global member services, Catalyst Canada;
• Dean Laplonge, director, Factive Pty Ltd.;
• Tina Markovic, senior project manager, operational readiness, - BHP Billiton;
• Richard Ross, executive in residence at York University's Shulich School of Business and former chairman and CEO of Inmet Mining Corporation;
• Catharine Shaw, mining client program manager, Canada, Golder Associates and president of Women in Mining Canada; and
• Melanie Sturk, director - attraction, retention & transition, MiHR Council.

The WIM Reception, sponsored by Caterpillar Inc., will follow between 17:00 and 19:00. Tickets are $25 each.

CIM EXHIBITION: In conjunction with the CIM Convention, the CIM Exhibition will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2013. Sold-out again this year, it will host 425 exhibiting companies featuring the latest in mining equipment, tools, technologies and services.

There will be a Press Room on site at the CIM Convention, and press are invited to register for media passes for access to the various venues.

ABOUT CIM:
The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) is the leading Canadian technical society for the minerals industry with over 14,000 members across Canada and globally. CIM is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and technology as well as the facilitation of networking, fraternity and professional development for the mining industry.

SOURCE: CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF MINING, METALLURGY AND PETROLEUM (CIM)

Zoë Koulouris
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)
[email protected]
514-939-2710 (1339)
www.cim.org