Innovation in mining doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when industry leaders step beyond their day-to-day roles to collaborate, challenge ideas, and help shape the future of the sector.
At the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII), that collaboration is intentional. The organization brings together industry, academia, and government to advance innovation and workforce development in Saskatchewan’s mining and minerals sector.
For long-time participants like Craig Funk (Nutrien), Tanya Smith (former BHP), and Murray Schultz (Mosaic), involvement with IMII is an opportunity to contribute to the direction of the industry while developing as leaders within it.
Craig Funk has been involved with IMII since its early days, first contributing through the Research and Development Committee before moving into a board role. That long-term involvement has given him a unique perspective on how innovation in mining has evolved and how collaboration accelerates that progress.
For Funk, innovation in mining is closely tied to improving how the industry operates, particularly in areas like safety, operational efficiency, and workforce experience. Over time, he has seen how new approaches – ranging from technology to process improvements – have helped the industry make meaningful advancements.
“Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about how we work, how we think, and how we solve problems,” he shared.
A key contribution of IMII, in his view, is its role in helping industry better connect with the broader innovation landscape. Through IMII, organizations gain access to research partners, academic institutions, and funding opportunities that make it easier to explore new ideas and solve complex challenges. This has enabled companies like Nutrien to pursue projects that may not have been possible otherwise—while also strengthening connections across the sector.
Craig also highlighted the role IMII plays in supporting the next generation of talent. “We’re seeing more highly skilled students coming through the system and gaining exposure to industry early,” he said. “That connection is incredibly valuable for both the students and the organizations.”
On a personal level, Craig describes his involvement with IMII as a significant part of his professional growth. Participating in cross-sector discussions, evaluating projects, and representing his organization at the table has broadened his perspective beyond his technical background.
“You’re learning how to think about the industry as a whole, not just your own role within it,” he shared.
Tanya Smith served on the IMII board for several years, bringing experience from both innovation-focused and operational roles within BHP and prior roles in the industry. That combination gives her a practical lens on innovation that connects strategy to real-world application.
For Tanya, innovation is fundamental to the mining industry’s ability to evolve. “Innovation is how we get better at what we do,” she explained. “It supports safer operations, more sustainable practices, and stronger business performance.”
As mining conditions become more complex, innovation plays a critical role in helping organizations adapt and continue delivering value. She sees IMII as a key enabler of that progress, particularly through the connections it creates.
“IMII brings together industry, academia, and government in a way that allows us to better understand what’s needed and how to move forward,” she said.
That collaborative model is especially important in Saskatchewan, where the mining sector plays a significant role in the provincial economy. By focusing on the specific needs of the region, IMII helps ensure that innovation efforts are both relevant and impactful.
From an organizational perspective, Tanya emphasized the value of having a voice in shaping research and innovation priorities. “It gives us the opportunity to participate in projects and conversations that help influence the direction of the industry,” she said. She also noted that while many of the benefits of innovation are long-term, they are critical to building a strong and sustainable future for the sector.
On a personal level, her involvement with IMII has expanded her leadership experience. Serving on the board has provided insight into governance, strategy, and the broader innovation landscape. “It’s deepened my understanding of the work happening across the sector and strengthened my connections within it.”
Murray Schultz has also been involved with IMII since its early stages, contributing through both technical committees and board leadership. For Murray, innovation is closely tied to the mining industry’s ability to remain competitive and responsive to global demand. “Innovation helps us advance technologies and ensure we’re positioned to meet evolving needs,” he said.
He sees IMII as a platform that enables organizations to work together more effectively by bringing expertise, resources, and perspectives into alignment. “It’s about leveraging the strengths of different partners and creating a shared understanding of where we need to go,” he explained.
Beyond project collaboration, IMII also plays a role in strengthening communication across the sector. By connecting industry with government and academic institutions, it helps build greater awareness of mining’s role and importance.
From an organizational standpoint, Murray highlighted the IMII platform as a platform to augment innovation capacity. “It allows us to access additional resources, funding opportunities, and insights that help us move forward more effectively,” he said.
For individuals, he sees one of the greatest benefits as the opportunity to build relationships. “It’s about networking, learning from others, and contributing to something larger than your own organization,” he said.
Across all three perspectives, a consistent theme emerges: involvement with IMII is both professionally rewarding and strategically important. Industry representatives play a critical role by:
For member representatives, IMII provides an opportunity to gain leadership experience by stepping into a broader role within the sector that combines technical insight with strategic thinking.
As the mining industry continues to evolve and expand, the need for collaboration is growing. Innovation requires more than new ideas: it requires the right environment, the right partnerships, and the willingness to work together toward shared goals.
IMII helps create that environment. By connecting people, aligning priorities, and supporting both innovation and workforce development, it plays a key role in strengthening Saskatchewan’s mining ecosystem.
For leaders like Craig Funk, Tanya Smith, and Murray Schultz, that work is both meaningful and impactful.
IMII’s office is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Treaty 6 encompasses the lands of the Cree, Dakota, Nakota, Saulteaux (SO-TOE) and the Homeland of the Métis Nation. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our enduring relationship with one another and recognize the importance of reconciliation in building a shared future.
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