CIM Awards 2024: Honoring Len Murray and Maggie MacKay

We are delighted to honour two remarkable professionals for their exceptional contributions to the mining industry.

Leading with distinction, Len Murray, KCB Board Chair and former CEO, has been awarded the Selwyn Blaylock Canadian Mining Excellence Award. This prestigious honour is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to Canada through exceptional achievements in mining, metallurgy, or geology. Having begun his career in the late 1960's, Len Murray has contributed decades of his career to pioneering the forefront of mining development, including earth dams, tunnels, hydroelectric, and transportation projects; contributing to his appointment to the role of President of Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd on January 1, 2014. He has designed and reviewed over 100 tailings and water dams across the globe, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor and a proponent of innovative and robust solutions in the mining and metals industry.

In tandem with Len's recognition, we also celebrate Maggie MacKay, who has been presented with the District Distinguished Service Award (Eastern) for her significant contributions to the mineral industry and the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) Branch. As a Hydrotechnical Engineer with a focus on hydrology and hydraulics, Maggie's decade of experience encompasses dam safety studies, mine water management, municipal flood studies, construction water management, and dam breach assessments, both in Canada and internationally.

Len Murray, Selwyn Blaylock Canadian Mining Excellence Award

Len's work has spanned numerous countries, including Canada, the USA, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Britain, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Middle East, and Africa, showcasing his global impact on engineering and project management. Beyond his technical expertise, Len is recognized for his skills as a communicator, often sharing his vast knowledge and experience through industry presentations and papers. His keynote speech at the 2022 Tailings and Mine Waste Conference in Denver, Colorado, is a testament to his standing as a thought leader in the field.

Len's contributions to engineering in Canada were acknowledged in 2020 when he was elected as a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada. This accolade highlighted his exceptional contributions to the engineering profession and his role in advancing engineering practices in Canada and internationally. The Selwyn Blaylock Canadian Mining Excellence Award is not just a recognition of Len Murray's technical achievements; it is a celebration of his commitment to advancing the mining industry, his innovative solutions to engineering challenges, and his dedication to sharing his knowledge with peers and the next generation of engineering consultants.

Maggie MacKay, District Distinguished Service Award (Eastern)

Maggie MacKay has been honored with the District Distinguished Service Award (Eastern) for her significant contribution to the mineral industry and the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) Branch. As a Hydrotechnical Engineer focusing on hydrology and hydraulics, Maggie brings a decade of experience to her field, covering a range of critical areas including dam safety studies, mine water management, municipal flood studies, construction water management, and dam breach assessments across Canada and internationally.

Maggie's commitment to the profession extends beyond her technical work. She has been an active volunteer at both local and national levels of the CIM for nearly ten years, demonstrating her dedication to the industry and her peers. Notably, she broke new ground as the first female president of the Mining Society of Nova Scotia and has served as a past chair of the Women in Engineering Committee at Engineers Nova Scotia. Currently, Maggie leads a KCB regional Environment, Social, and Governance committee, where she continues to contribute her knowledge and leadership.

This award celebrates Maggie's outstanding contributions to the mineral industry and her efforts to advance professional practices and support the community within the CIM.

The combined achievements of Len Murray and Maggie MacKay spotlight the incredible talent and dedication within the mining sector. They have both raised the bar for excellence in their respective fields and have significantly contributed to the industry's growth and sustainability. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Len and Maggie for their outstanding accomplishments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire current and future professionals in the mining industry.