The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), which manages the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) Network, has signed an Associate Partnership Agreement with the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), a global hub for critical minerals, to strengthen Canada’s leadership in mining innovation and the global critical minerals economy.
The agreement, signed on September 11, 2025, formalizes collaboration between the two organizations in areas including innovation support, project development, conferences, ecosystem engagement, and knowledge sharing. CMI has extended complimentary memberships to both CEMI and MICA, and invited participation in its flagship events, such as the Critical Minerals Institute Summit, InvestorNews panels, and global outreach campaigns.
“This partnership brings together two organizations that share a common goal—ensuring that Canadian innovation plays a leading role in the secure and sustainable development of critical minerals,” said Chamirai Charles Nyabeze, Executive Vice President of Business Development at CEMI and Network Director of MICA. “By combining our innovation ecosystem with CMI’s global platform, we can accelerate the commercialization of technologies that will strengthen supply chains and raise quality of life for communities in Canada and beyond.”
“Canada is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in critical minerals, and partnerships like this one are essential to making that vision a reality,” said Douglas Morrison, President and CEO of CEMI. “Working with CMI allows us to extend the reach of Canadian innovators into international markets while advancing our collective goals for sustainability and resilience in mining.”
“The Critical Minerals Institute is excited to welcome CEMI and MICA as partners in our global network,” said Tracy Hughes, Director of CMI. “CEMI’s leadership in mining innovation and MICA’s pan-Canadian reach make them ideal collaborators as we work to build strong, transparent, and innovative supply chains for the world’s energy transition.
As part of next steps, CEMI is preparing to bring a Canadian critical minerals enabling technologies oriented envoy to Ottawa for discussions with federal officials on advancing national and international strategies to secure critical minerals supply chains.
About CEMI
At CEMI (Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation), we are dedicated to advancing commercially viable innovations that enhance safety, productivity, and environmental performance in the mining sector. Our mission is to help mining companies close the innovation and commercialization gap, enabling them to achieve better operational performance and faster returns on their investments.
About CMI
The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) is a brain trust for the global critical minerals economy, offering a hub that connects companies, capital markets, and policymakers. Through masterclasses, the weekly Critical Minerals Report, bespoke research, and board-level advisory services, CMI delivers actionable intelligence spanning exploration finance to geopolitics. CMI organizes the flagship Annual Critical Minerals Institute Summit, a global gathering of government leaders, institutional investors, and industry executives.
Contacts
Giah Sumalde Marketing and Communications Manager, Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) | [email protected]
Tracy Hughes, Executive Director, Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) | [email protected] | +1 647 289 7714
Leave a Reply