21 May GMG – CIM Sudbury Forum Speaker Bios
Samantha Espley, Director – Technical Excellence, Vale
Samantha Espley earned her B.A.Sc. degree in engineering in 1988 from the University of Toronto and her M.A.Sc. degree in mining engineering in 1999 from Laurentian University. Samantha is the Director of the Mining Technology & Innovation for Vale Base Metals operations. She leads a team of highly-specialized engineers and scientists providing technical support to Vale’s operating mines and mining projects in Canada, Brazil, New Caledonia and Indonesia. Samantha has more than 29 years of experience in the mining industry and has worked at Denison, Dome, Falconbridge, Noranda, Inco and Vale. She has held roles in the technical, operations and management domains in mining and mineral processing. Samantha is the incoming President-Elect of the CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining) and a board member of MIRARCO, Bharti School of Engineering, Canadian Mining Innovation Council, Global Mining Guidelines group, CEMI (Centre of Excellence in Mining Innovation) and a past member of the executive board of Engineers Canada, Science North, and the Sudbury Branches of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Women in Science and Engineering, and Professional Engineers Ontario. Samantha is honoured to receive the Women in Mining Canada’s Trailblazer Award, Engineer’s Canada Award, CIM Distinguished Service Medal, Mid-Career Engineering Award from the University of Toronto, the Management Award from the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and a fellowship with the Academy of Engineering in Canada. Samantha and her husband, Marc Boudreau (CEO of Bestech & Shyft Inc), are proud of their children Amy, Eric, Katrine and Miranda. They enjoy living in beautiful northern Ontario and participating in their community.
Iain Allen, Mining / Exploration Specialist, SkymineUAV
Iain has been working in the mining industry for more than 25 years, in 20 countries across 5 continents. Until recently he was Program Director in the Innovation Group with Barrick Gold, responsible for Global Orebody Intelligence – monitoring new and innovative technologies relevant to all aspects of Exploration and Discovery. Spatial data collection, management and analysis is a specialty for Iain, and the growing use of UAVs, both surface and underground, is a particular interest. Since leaving Barrick, Iain has been working with SkymineUAV, a drone startup focused on the mining industry.
Steve Gravel, Business Development Manager, OCE
A native of Sudbury, Steve Gravel is a Business Development Manager with Ontario Centres of Excellence with Northern Ontario as his territory. His areas of interest are mining technology, the forestry sector and rural economic development. Steve is a graduate of Laurentian University, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. Before joining OCE, Steve worked as a Research Fellow at Laurentian’s Institute for Northern Ontario Research and Development (INORD), an economic development think tank, and as an Applied Research Manager with Cambrian Innovates, at Cambrian College’s Glencore Centre of Innovation.
Steven Bowles, Manager – Côté Gold Project, IAMGOLD
Steven Bowles was appointed Project Manager for the Côté Gold Project, a joint venture between IAMGOLD Corporation and Sumitomo Metal Mining, in 2017. In his role, he provides leadership for the development of Côté Gold’s open pit mine, concentrator and supporting infrastructure, the establishment of power and environmental permits and the implementation of an impact-benefits agreement with the project’s First Nation partners. Steven is a business professional in the mining & metals industry with experience in business development, project management and operations management. Steven holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Richard Ivey School of Business and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He is fluent in English and French and speaks basic Spanish. Steven was previously Operations Manager at Raglan Mine in Nunavik where he managed its four underground mines and its technical services teams to achieve record-setting safety and production performance for that operation. He also served as Capital Projects Director at Raglan which included the development of two underground mines and concentrator plant growth projects budgeted at $550M. Prior to that, he worked as Project Manager for the $1.2B Cobre Panama concentrator project and led field execution teams in the Middle East on the $5.7B Emirates Aluminium and $4.5B Qatalum Aluminium Smelter projects. In 2014, Steven received the Bedford Canadian Young Mining Leaders Award granted by the Canadian Institute of Mining for outstanding leadership.
Matthew Goodale, General Manager for Mining Product Support and Operations, Toromont
Matthew Goodale, General Manager of Mining Product Support and Operation, has been with Toromont Cat for over 20 years, specializing in surface and underground mining product support and equipment application. On behalf of the operations team at Toromont, Matt will overview the operational systems and features of the Caterpillar Autonomous Haulage Solution along with the supporting technologies for safe and production autonomous operation.
Nathan Stabina, V.P. Technologies, Sherritt International
Dr. Stubina joined Sherritt International as VP Technologies in November 2018. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Innovation for McEwen Mining. With 30 years of international industrial experience, Nathan also worked at various major mining companies including Barrick Gold Corp., Noranda Inc. and Falconbridge Limited. Nathan holds a Ph.D., in Metallurgy and Materials from the University of Toronto and a B. Eng. in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering from McGill University. Nathan is currently a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), and was VP International of the CIM. He is a Past-President of MetSoc (Metallurgy & Materials Society of the CIM), a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and a member of the Lassonde Institute of Mining’s Advisory Committee at the University of Toronto. Dr. Stubina was named a Fellow of the CIM in 2012 and a CIM Distinguished Lecturer in 2019.
Andy Charsley, Principal Mining Engineer, Technology & Innovation, Vale
Andy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Master’s Degree in Mineral Resources Engineering from Laurentian University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and is certified as a Project Management Professional with over 25 years of progressive experience in the Mining and Construction Industries. Andy joined Vale in 2000 in Sudbury Ontario and has held roles of increasing responsibly including Research Engineer, Senior Project Engineer, Project Group Leader and Senior Project Manager. In 2012 he transferred to the Vale Voisey’s Bay Operation in Northern Labrador Canada as the Manager of Business Systems, Engineering and Warehouse and worked in this role until 2018. He is now working as a Principal Mining Engineer in Vale’s Technology and Innovation Group leading Vale’s Initiative in Mechanical Rock Excavation.
Alex Mulloy, Mining Engineering Intern, Vale
Alex Mulloy is a member of Vale’s Mining Technology & Innovation Centre. As a member of this team, Alex works alongside a highly-skilled team of experts to provide technical support, governance and internal consultation to Vale’s Base Metals operations, which includes operations in Canada, Brazil, New Caledonia and Indonesia. As an engineering graduate and current MBA candidate, Alex continues to develop core strengths in technological expertise, financial analysis, strategic implementation, business case development and mining engineering. In his current role, Alex and the Mining Technology & Innovation Centre act as Vale’s internal authority, leading the corporate strategies for the implementation of new technologies, designs and methodologies within Vale’s Base Metals operations.
Mike Mayhew, Integration Manager Kirkland Lake Gold
Mike is a senior mining executive and champion of industry innovation. Currently, he is the Integration Manager at Kirkland Lake Gold. He holds a post-graduate mining engineering degree and has more than 27 years of mining experience. Mike has a proven track record for building start-up companies while executing innovative products and projects within the industry. His primary focus is safety, quality and execution while delivering exceptional results. His firsthand experience, comprehensive knowledge, and rock-solid relationships add tremendous reach to the mining industry and to Kirkland Lake Gold operations. He is currently responsible for the Integration of the new shaft, including engineering, procurement, project controls for Shaft4 in Kirkland Lake Ontario, Canada. His key mission is to transform the underground mining industry as a leader in innovation and technology within the operations.
Andrew Schinkel, Senior Electrical Engineer, Kirkland Lake Gold
Andrew Schinkel is the Senior Electrical Engineer at Kirkland Lake Gold’s Macassa Mine in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Since 2011 Andrew has been involved in the design, testing, deployment and maintenance of the battery electric vehicle fleet that has supported the mine’s production expansion.
Justin Stade, Senior Service Delivery Manager, Nutrien
Justin started with Nutrien 10 years ago running IT at our Cory Division Potash site. Working on everything related to IT including network, server, virtualization and application development. Moving to the Corporate IT function to support ERP related technologies before being assigned as the IT lead to our Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate integration tracks to support the merger that created Nutrien. Following the close of the merger he held a roll as a Senior Service Delivery Manager ensuring IT alignment and support for our over 30 operating facilities. With the Potash BU recently embarking on a transformational journey to change the way we work, Justin has been leading the development and execution of our Digital Strategy.
Sian Marsden, Specialist, Mining Applications, Newmont Goldcorp
Working with Goldcorp since 2009 and brings over 13 years of exploration and geology experience across Canada. Background in 3D geologic modelling and Geographic Information Systems with experience leveraging multiple data sources and technology solutions. Focused on Goldcorp’s technical services software suite and strategic innovation projects. Goldcorp’s portfolio includes Leapfrog, Deswik, ArcGIS, Vulcan, and acQuire. Key role in innovation initiatives including IBM Exploration with Watson, core scanning, and machine vision projects. Holds a Master of Science in Geology from Queens University. Currently registered as a Professional Geoscientist with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.
Michael David MacFarlane, Director, MDM Mining Consulting, – Sudbury, INO Mines Innovation
Over 3 decades of international mining experience, technology development to drive operations transformations and deliver sustained business improvements. An accomplished senior mining executive and industry thought leader, Michael MacFarlane’s successful career of delivering sustained business improvements, building high performance teams and leading change in organisations spans more than three decades. Currently the Director for MDM Mining Consulting, Mr. MacFarlane’s extensive knowledge and understanding of the global mining industry supports a range of international mining clients to address the current mining environment and to help them improve productivity and transform their mining operations. As the former Executive Vice President of Business Strategy and Innovation for AngloGold Ashanti, Mr. MacFarlane led strategy and planning for the company. His understanding of the rapidly changing competitive landscape in the mining industry enabled him to recommend long-term transformational change and identify key business opportunities. As Senior Vice President Technical in AngloGold Ashanti’s South African Region, Mr. MacFarlane led a team to drive transformational change within their ultra deep mining operation with a specific focus on new mining technology. Mr. MacFarlane spent many years with Vale Inco in a number of different posts including Vice President Mining & Milling Canada/UK, where he developed the strategic direction of the company’s global nickel business. As Vice President, Business Services, Mr. MacFarlane provided strategic leadership toward the new business model with a focus on reducing cost structure. As a First Class Mine Manager, with a Professional Engineer designation, Mr. MacFarlane has held various positions such as Mine Manager, Mine Superintendent, General Foreman, Senior Mine Engineer and Project Planning Engineer throughout the early stages of his career. Mr. MacFarlane holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from Dalhousie University.
Mike Commito, Director – Applied Research, Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology
Mike Commito holds a PhD from MaMaster University and is the Director of Applied Research and Innovation at Cambrian College. Cambrian is one of the top research colleges in Canada and the majority of its research projects are with companies from the mining industry. Outside of his role at Cambrian, Mike is an author and writer. Follow him on Twitter @mikecommito
Michel Dubois, Vice-President QA & Artificial Intelligence, Newtrax
Michel Dubois is Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at Newtrax, a company that integrates the latest IoT technologies to provide insights on hard rock underground mining operations, creating a unique detailed dataset about people, machines and the environment. A Startup in 2008, Newtrax quickly became a multi-national success story, achieving an 80% yearly average revenue growth and inaugurating offices in Santiago, Perth, Moscow and London, with its HQ in Montreal. Michel leads his team to deliver fast and impactful Artificial Intelligence solutions to customers by leveraging his experience in the technological, academical, business, Intellectual Property and partnership dimensions of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. He is the author of a patent on mathematical optimization of high bandwidth signal switching. In the last 25 years, Michel built his versatility in high growth global business environments such as Banking, IT services, Urban Transit Optimization, Telecommunications, the Energy sector and the Underground Mining industry through a rich blend of positions such as research analyst in mathematics, embedded and server software programmer, software process improvement consultant, followed by managerial roles in IT security, quality assurance, electronics manufacturing and Vice President of Artificial Intelligence. Motivated by multidisciplinary environments, Michel is active in fostering collaboration across industries, across roles, and more, which can also explain his implications in numerous volunteer work in the community for the past 30 years. Michel holds a Masters degree in Mathematics and he’s a PhD candidate in Engineering (Machine Learning).
Trevor Kelly, Innovation Manager – Mining CMIC
Trevor has a passion operating excellence and helping the mining industry adopt / leverage transformational mining and industrial technologies. Which includes process efficiencies and effectiveness, to reach full potential results. Trevor is well connected with a global network of mining companies, subject matter experts (SME) and strategic partnerships including the Canadian Mining Innovation Council (CMIC). Trevor has worked with some of the largest mining companies in their respective commodities, Barrick Gold, Cameco, BHP Billiton, Teck and Homestake. From which he has accumulated over 25 years of international open pit and underground mining experience focusing on technical service, operational execution and asset optimization. Recently serving as the global director of mining at Barrick Gold Corporation and has provided technical and operational support to 15+ operating and project sites worldwide.
Patrick Marshall, Vice President – Product Management, Maclean Engineering
I am the Vice President of Product Management at MacLean Engineering, where I oversee current and new product development for our underground mining product lines. I completed a Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. I have primarily worked in the mining industry with a focus on operational excellence, mobile equipment maintenance and technology implementation, at operations in both Australia and Canada, as well as in Michelle Ash’s innovation team. For Barrick at the Williams Mine, Ontario, I lead the digital transformation strategy, which included designing and installing modern communication infrastructure, implementing operational control software, and integrating a suite of technology to enable remotely operated or automated ore flow from the underground.
Craig Harris, P.Eng, Electrical / Automation Lead – Mining Projects, Glencore
Craig Harris graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2001 with a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering. He began his career in the manufacturing/automotive industry, and transitioned to the mining industry in 2007 with Xstrata Nickel / Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations. He has spent the last 12 years in various engineering, project and maintenance supervision roles. He is currently the Electrical and Automation Lead for Sudbury INO’s Mining Projects, overseeing the electrical aspects of the Onaping Depth project.
Paul Summers, Lead Developer – Electric Drive Systems, Miller Technology Incorporated
Paul Summers is a hands-on person who loves finding solutions. He sees product development and design as more than a job; to him, it is a vocation and a calling. From an early age, he was fascinated by technology, tinkering, designing, and building. From using Legos, he learned to create solutions for challenges. From working with his father and grandfather in their family workshop, he learned to respect both processes and materials. After graduating from Algonquin College, he worked in the automotive sector before moving into the mining industry as a field technician. For the last nine years, he has been focused on research and development with Miller Technology, with roles as both Senior and Lead Developer. In these positions, he continues to design, develop, and fabricate solutions for real-world applications. His fascination with Lego has come full circle, as he is now a proud coach and mentor for youth involved in FIRST FLL robotics, which focuses on experiential learning in the field of robotics using Lego.