Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) – Invitation to the media – Mining and Space: A new era dawns

QUEBEC CITY, April 26 – A new era in technology transfer between
mining and space industries is ensuring Canada’s role as world leaders in
scientific innovation.

In an unprecedented move, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy
and Petroleum (CIM) has joined forces in a partnership with the Canadian Space
Agency (CSA), to hold MineSpace 2001, a conference and trade show being held
April 29th to May 2nd, in Quebec City. The two organizations will work to
foster the growth of technology transfer between their two industries and to
strengthen their respective competitive advantage in the global market.

The media is invited to attended the Plenary and learn about the latest
technological developments on April 30th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. CIM’s
MineSpace 2001 Plenary Session will focus on the growing relationship between
the minerals and space industries.

Guest speakers will include Peter Jones, Executive Vice-President, INCO
Ltd; Michael Avedesian, President, Noranda Magnesium Inc.; Colin Cooper,
Manager, Material Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Michel Giroux,
Director General of External Relations, Canadian Space Agency; Bjarni
Tryggvason, Canadian astronaut, Canadian Space Agency. A press conference will
be held immediately following the plenary, at 12:00 noon. The above speakers
will be present.

ABOUT CIM
CIM is the leading technical society of professionals in the Canadian
minerals, metals, materials and energy industries, representing 12,000
engineers and operators across the country. Mineral extraction and
metallurgical production represented 3.7 % of Canada’s gross domestic product
(GDP) last year.

ABOUT THE CSA
Established in 1989 and situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian
Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through
its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the
CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science;
Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Generic Space Technologies;
Space Qualification Services and Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at
the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the
benefit of Canadians and humanity.

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For further information: Toby King, Director, Communications and
Membership, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM),
(514) 939-2710 Ext. 314, Fax: (514) 939-2714, tking@cim.org