Surface Mining Society - Operators Symposium
About this Event
Surface Mining Society - Operators Symposium
The Surface Mining Society of CIM is bringing mine operators, technical professionals, and industry leaders together in Kamloops for two focused days of conversation, collaboration, and practical learning.
The Mine Operators Symposium was built around a simple idea: some of the best solutions in mining are already being developed at operating sites across the country — but too often, those ideas stay within a single operation.
This symposium is about changing that.
From October 28–30, 2026, attendees will come together at the Delta Hotel Kamloops to share real experiences, honest lessons learned, and practical solutions to the challenges operators are facing every day.
Following an opening networking social on Wednesday evening, the symposium will feature two days of technical presentations, interactive panels, and breakout discussions designed to encourage participation, connection, and meaningful knowledge-sharing — not simply sitting in a room listening to presentations.
Topics taking shape include:
- Safety
- Maintenance and reliability
- Operational readiness
- Innovation and technology
- Recruitment, training, retention, and development of the next generation of mining professionals
The goal is bigger than a two-day event.
We want people leaving Kamloops with new ideas they can take back to their operations, stronger relationships with their peers, and a network of people they can continue calling long after the symposium ends.
Whether you’re an experienced operator, an emerging leader, a technical professional, or someone helping shape the future of a mining operation, come prepared to share what you’ve learned, ask questions, challenge ideas, and learn from the people working through many of the same challenges you are.
Because stronger operations aren’t built in silos.
They’re built together.
What's Included in My Ticket?
Your attendee ticket will include participation on the technical sessions on Thursday, October 29th and Friday, October 30th as well as:
- Participation in the opening reception on Wednesday, October 28th.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday, October 29th.
- Breakfast and lunch on Friday, October 30th.
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Registration & Opening Reception - Wednesday October 28th, 2026
Info: Join us for drinks, light snacks, and an evening of networking as we kick off the Mine Operators Symposium. Grab your badge, meet fellow attendees, reconnect with industry colleagues, and start the conversations that will carry through the next two days.
🕑: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Day 1 - Operators Symposium - Thursday October 29th, 2026
Info: Day One gets right into the conversations shaping today’s mining operations. We’ll hear perspectives on the industry outlook and the priorities facing regional operations, explore how safety and productivity work together, and create space for attendees to identify the challenges and opportunities they’re seeing firsthand.
The afternoon will shift to operator-led learning, with real examples of major projects, operating practices, successes and lessons learned, followed by a closer look at how maintenance and reliability are evolving alongside new technology, electrification and changing operational demands.
Come ready to listen, ask questions, share experience and contribute to the conversation.
🕑: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Day 2 - Operators Symposium - Friday October 30th, 2026
Info: Day Two looks ahead at how mining operations can continue to evolve, adapt and perform. We’ll explore the role of innovation and technology in improving operational efficiency, while looking at what it takes to successfully implement new ideas at site.
The conversation will also turn to the people behind the industry — recruitment, retention, education and developing the workforce needed for the future. From there, we’ll dig into operational readiness, ramp-up strategies and the lessons that can help operations reach full production more effectively.
We’ll close by looking at the relationship between mine operators and the vendor community, and how stronger collaboration across the industry can create better outcomes for everyone.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 600.00 to CAD 7500.00
