Executive Director - Tom Hynes

I am proud to be associated with the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC), and its efforts to improve the sustainability of the Canadian mining industry. 

Mining has long been, and still is, one of the cornerstones of Canada's economy, though perhaps we have not been as effective as we should in letting Canadians know how mining has evolved. 

Many people still think of mining as pick and shovel work, but the reality is much different - it is now one of the most mechanized and technologically sophisticated industries.  Perceptions are also influenced by the legacy issue of abandoned mines - but it is now possible to operate and decommission a mine in such a way that little or no environmental impact is left at closure. 

This changing face of mining has been clear to people within the industry, but is not as obvious to the rest of civil society.

At CMIC, we are focused on providing the mining industry with better tools to remain sustainable and profitable, and therefore able to contribute to the economic well being of Canadians, and to the wealth of Canada. 

We are equally committed to providing better tools to help the industry meet its environmental, safety and social obligations to Canada and Canadians.  With the members, volunteers and stakeholders of CMIC, I am proud to be part of this process.

About Tom Hynes 

Tom Hynes has an extensive background in the mining industry in Canada, as a government regulator, in industry operations, and in research. 

Much of his early experience was in environmental management, and Hynes was previously the Vice President of Environmental Stewardship for the International Council for Metals and the Environment (forerunner to ICMM).

Hynes has worked extensively in the uranium and base metal industries, and until recently was the Director General of NRCan's Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories.