SFU and UBC to further global sustainable mining practices through new $25M Institute

Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia will lead an international coalition to help developing countries benefit from their natural resources in environmentally and socially responsible ways.

The establishment of the Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development (CIIEID), funded by a $25-million grant from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), was announced last October with an aim to sharing Canadian expertise in extractive industries. The selection of SFU and UBC to operate the Institute was announced in November by the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation.

“This announcement highlights Simon Fraser University’s commitment to enhancing the social, economic and environmental well-being of communities both locally and around the globe,” says Andrew Petter, President of Simon Fraser University. “Drawing upon our strengths in international governance, dialogue and management, this new Institute will support the development of extractive resource governance processes that advance sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.”

Building on the respective strengths at SFU and UBC and in partnership with Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, the CIIEID will offer developing countries best practice knowledge in extractive technology, public policy and regulations, and health and education outreach in order to empower industry, governments and non-governmental organizations to reduce poverty while protecting the environment.

Among the first tasks of the CIIEID include a strategic analysis of the sector, delivering of educational courses in Canada and overseas, and two conferences. The initial activities will focus on countries in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

“The issue of resource governance in emerging markets is a considerable challenge,” says Daniel Shapiro, Dean of the Beedie School of Business. “With our colleagues at UBC, our extensive networks of collaborators, and our strengths in governance, sustainability and emerging markets, we at SFU are excited to take on this challenge.”

In 2008 alone, exports of oil and minerals from Africa, Asia, and Central America were valued at $1-trillion. Canadian companies, many headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., dominate the world’s mineral exploration and Canada relies heavily on its resource industries.

The announcement underlines SFU’s commitment to sustainability in mining. SFU’s Beedie School of Business offers Canada’s longest-standing Executive MBA program for sustainable mining. It also houses the Responsible Minerals Sector Initiative, which hosts the annual Global Exploration, Mining and Minerals (GEMM) 2020 dialogue – a two-day event held in Vancouver, attracting diverse participants internationally to work towards sustainable economic and societal outcomes.