This year's competition will focus on community engagement issues in the Mining Industry. The Mining Sector has been one of the most significant drivers of global economic growth throughout the 21st century. In 2011, revenues of the world's top 40 mining companies exceeded US$700 billion, up more than 26% from 2010, as the industry continues to grow to meet the increased consumption demand in emerging markets.

This remarkable growth does not come without its challenges. Obtaining the social license to operate is now core to the strategic thinking of industry leaders as they tackle the increasing scarcity of quality deposits and rising costs while trying to achieve responsible growth for their shareholders and all stakeholders. The participants in SICC will have the opportunity to analyze complex community engagement issues currently facing the mining industry, present their views to top industry executives, receive relevant feedback as well as network with other students and industry leaders.

This is the inaugural year of Schulich’s new MBA specialization in Global Mining Management (GMM) being led by the former CEO of Inmet Mining Corporation, Richard Ross. The vision of the GMM is to support the industry in developing the next generation of leaders. With a long standing program in sustainability and the new GMM specialization, Schulich is uniquely positioned to facilitate a frank and constructive dialogue about these issues. Both the students and the industry leaders involved will benefit greatly from this dialogue as community engagement is one of the most pressing issues affecting the reputation and the ability of the industry to grow and meet the ever increasing demand for its products.