The Sauder School of Business is launching a new executive master of business administration program specifically designed for the mining industry.
The new Strategic Mining Management EMBA is the first of its kind, according to the Sauder School of Business, which developed the new program with Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at the University of B.C.
The program is being launched, in part, to address an anticipated wave of retirement by senior mining executives and better prepare younger executives for the complex business of mining, which often operates in multiple jurisdictions.
“Over the next five to 10 years, many mining executives will be retiring,” said Rohan Hazelton, vice-president of strategy for Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G), the program’s lead industry partner.
“The industry needs a new wave of leaders. Graduates of this program will be set to take on the leadership roles the mining industry needs going forward.”
Sauder School alumnus Nolan Watson, CEO of Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (TSX:SSL), points out that many mining executives have expertise in either mining or business, but not necessarily both.
“You need to know the operational side of how mining works, which is incredibly complex,” he said. “But because it’s such a volatile industry, you also need an in-depth knowledge of business strategy to survive during tough times. As we all know, the next downturn can be just around the corner.”
The 21-month course has been designed to be global in nature, like mining itself. Most of the studies will be done with online modules, allowing participants to take the course while working anywhere in the world.
The course also includes a four-week residencies in the three centres of mining and finance: Vancouver, London and Santiago.
