IMII Awards $46,000 in Scholarships to Future Mining and Minerals Leaders

The International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) is investing in the next generation of Saskatchewan’s mining and minerals workforce, awarding seven scholarships totaling $46,000, to students pursuing education and careers in the sector for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The awards include five IMII Rockstar Scholarships, the UEC Northerner IMII Rockstar Scholarship, and the Al Shpyth Scholarship for Environmental Excellence. Together, these scholarships recognize students with the ambition, talent, and commitment to help shape the future of Saskatchewan’s mining and minerals industry.

The IMII Rockstar Scholarships are supported by the full IMII membership and are awarded to candidates seeking mining-relevant education across certificate, diploma and degree programs. The 2026 recipients are:

• Shelby Page – Industrial Mechanics, Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Certificate)
• Kale Strelioff – Welding Certificate, Suncrest College (Certificate)
• Ibuchi Joachins Nwachukwu – Mining Engineering Technology, Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Diploma)
• Ivan Krueger – Civil Engineering, University of Saskatchewan (Degree)

• Jocelyne Durand – Chemical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan (Degree)

The UEC Northerner IMII Rockstar Scholarship, sponsored exclusively by IMII industry member Uranium Energy Corp., is awarded to a worthy IMII Rockstar scholarship candidate with ties to Northern Saskatchewan.  This year’s recipient is:

• Rodney Mayling – 3^rd Class Power Engineering, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (Certificate)

The Al Shpyth Scholarship for Environmental Excellence recognizes a commitment to environmental excellence and the important role environmental stewardship plays in the minerals industry – values exemplified by the award’s namesake.  The 2026 recipient of this award is:

• Emma Wilmut, Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan (degree)

“Supporting these outstanding students is an investment in the future of Saskatchewan’s mining and minerals sector,” said Lesley McGilp, Executive Director of IMII. “The recipients are developing the knowledge and skills our industry needs to innovate, grow, and meet the challenges ahead. We are pleased to help enable their educational journeys and recognize the talent and initiative they bring which will drive our sector forward.”

The IMII Rockstar Scholarship program supports students pursuing mining-relevant education through certificate, diploma, and degree programs, helping reduce financial barriers as they work toward their career goals. The program also seeks to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous learners, and new Canadians, recognizing the importance of a skilled and diverse workforce.

Through these scholarships, IMII and its sponsors are helping students turn their educational ambitions into career opportunities while strengthening the future of Saskatchewan’s mining and minerals industry.

Press Release – IMII Awards $46,000 in Scholarships to Future Mining and Minerals Leaders