Sudbury to host Metallurgical Conference in 2009
“It’s a good opportunity for people in Sudbury to promote their services and products to an audience of 800 metallurgists from 50 different countries around the world,” said Nathan Stubina, conference chair.
The Metallurgical Society is one of four societies and five divisions that make up the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM). It has a core membership in Canada, but at least one-third of its members are international, fuelling a healthy industry mix. The conference is an annual forum to share ideas, new technologies, analyze problems, and network with international players.
Stubina is encouraging local mining suppliers to have a presence at the conference either by submitting a paper or signing up for a trade show booth.
Themed “Nickel, Cobalt, and PGMs,” the conference will focus on 11 topics, ranging from Mineral Processing of Complex Sulphides and Challenges Facing the Light Metals Industry to Current Management and Human Resource Issues, and The Greening of the Environment.
Each year, a technical committee receives between 300 and 400 submissions, consisting of a 100-word abstract. The deadline for next year’s conference is December 31.
“We try to get a good combination of material from academia, existing projects and from new projects,” Stubina said.
Attendance averages about 600, although Sudbury’s last conference in 1997 attracted 800 people. Advanced short courses focusing on more specific processes in a smaller forum will be offered at Laurentian University two days before the conference.
Another highlight is the student-industry mixer, which promotes student involvement and networking with those in the industry. A student poster contest provides an opportunity for undergraduates or graduates to display their research, without the pressure of submitting a paper. Their work is eligible for cash prizes and awards.
“We give funding for students to travel to the conference and they can go on standby tours, either for free or at a discounted rate if room exists,” Stubina said.
The conference will feature a keynote address by Stephen Lewis, social activities, an awards banquet and trade show. A companion program for spouses will provide alternative outings to local tourist attractions. Two days of industry tours to area mills and smelters are scheduled after the conference.
The Metallurgical Society is still accepting sponsorships, papers, nominations for awards, and reservations for booth space at the Metals Trade Show.
