The International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) welcomes Al Shpyth as its new Executive Director as of January 1, 2016.
IMII Board Chair Dwight Percy said today, “IMII is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Al Shpyth as Engin Özberk retires from the Executive Director position at the end of this year.”
Al Shpyth is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan as well of York University (master in environmental studies) and the Vermont Law School (master of environmental policy and law). He has over 20 years of experience related to mining and the mineral industry gained in government, industry and consulting, and has supported mining operations and projects in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the United States and Central Asia.
Percy stated, “As our Board began the recruitment process early in 2015, we focused our attention on attracting a candidate with a very strong career path in the mining sector, at a national and international level, as well as a solid background with mining industry associations. Al brings that to IMII and we look forward to the results he will deliver.”
Al Shpyth commented on IMII saying, “Mining is one of three economic engines driving the provincial economy, and its success now and in the future is dependent on the availability of both innovative people and technologies. By building on the province’s education and training capacity, and focusing its research and development activities around mining and the minerals industry, IMII can not only help its members increase the economic contribution mining makes to Saskatchewan, it can also help strengthen the “social license” the industry has built over the years for its projects and operations”.
Percy added, “At this time I would also like to recognize the significant contribution of Engin Özberk in the success that IMII has achieved. Engin has played a role as an IMII founder, as a director, and most recently as the Executive Director. His vision, persistence and ability to achieve concrete results have been rightfully acknowledged within the minerals sector, and appreciated by all of us who have worked with him.”
Established in 2012, IMII is a unique industry-government-post-secondary education and research institution partnership jointly funded by industry and government. The Institute is a catalyst to develop industry-driven education and training programs to address labour force needs in the sector, and to conduct industry-driven research and development in addressing workplace health and safety, environmental sustainability, social license, policy research, exploration, mining, processing and economics of commodities to ensure the continued growth of the industry.
For more information, please contact:
Al Shpyth 306-668-2070 or [email protected]
Engin Özberk 306-668-2070 or [email protected]
Dwight Percy 306-222-1361 or [email protected]
