Minerals Companies: Includes those companies involved in the Saskatchewan minerals industry in exploration, development, extraction/production or closure/reclamation, and share a commitment to innovation through IMII.  These companies are investing financial and other resources to develop and advance innovations in education & training and research & development that matter to the minerals industry.  Company fees are assessed per the following categories:

• • “Company A” Category – those with annual international revenues exceeding $100 million US and contributing $100,000 per year,
  • “Company B” Category – those with annual international revenues between $20 million to $100 million US and contributing $25,000, and
  • “Company C” Category – those with annual international revenues less than $20 million US and contributing $5,000 per year.

Companies in category A automatically gain a seat on the Board of Directors, allowing them direct influence over the strategic direction of the organization.  Companies in categories B and C are provided one seat each on the Board and are to elect a representative from their peers.  Membership fees are paid in annual installments, although commitments are obtained for multi-year terms.  The Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA), because of its broad representation of the province’s mining industry, is provided a seat on the board.

Minerals company members also have a seat on the IMII education & training (E&T) and research and development (R&D) panels providing input and influence over the priorities in these areas, and the selection of innovation projects that may be recommended to the Board of Directors for approval and funding.

Supply Chain Companies:  Those companies who are not minerals producers but are involved in the mineral industry’s innovation ecosystem through the provision of goods and service, including original equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, construction companies, consultancies, other service companies, to minerals companies operating in Saskatchewan, and share the minerals companies’ commitment to innovation through IMII.  They may contribute internal development projects and/or be strategic partners in building products and services that meet the innovation needs of the minerals industry.  Company fees are assessed per the following categories:

• • “Company A” Category – large supply chain companies with annual international revenues exceeding $20 million US and contributing $25,000 per year,
  • “Company B” Category – mid-size supply chain companies with annual international revenues between $1 million to $20 million US and contributing $5,000, and
  • “Company C” Category – small supply chain companies with annual international revenues less than $1 million US and contributing $2,500 per year.

Supply chain companies are provided one seat on the Board and are to elect a representative from their peers.

Government:  Government bodies that contribute significant financial resources on an annual basis are given a seat on the Board to a maximum of two seats.

Government entities are important members of the minerals industry’s innovation ecosystem in that they may provide funding and program support to industry-drive projects and partners.  Federal or provincial government departments or agencies could apply to be members to show their support for innovation through IMII as either a Strategic or a Solutions member.  Strategic members are funding partners and are eligible for a seat on the Board and the Panels. Solutions members would not pay an annual fee and would be non-voting.  Both would be eligible to provide input into IMII plans and activities and obtain information about project areas and project work.

Institutions:  Institutional membership is open to post-secondary education and research organizations providing or wanting to provide education, training, research and development services for the minerals sector.  They want to participate in the development of the minerals industry’s innovation ecosystem through the provision of expertise and facilities.  Institutions are not charged a membership fee, but must apply for membership. Institutions include universities, colleges, industry associations/organizations and other educational organizations, and public-owned/non-profit organizations.

Institutions have four seats on the board.  Three of these seats are allocated to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, University of Regina, and University of Saskatchewan.  The Board member for the fourth seat is elected by their peers.

Associates:  Non-profit organizations that provide support to the minerals industry and its innovation ecosystem.  Membership in this category is free and is not eligible for a seat on the Board. 

The Saskatchewan Mining Association has been granted a seat on the IMII Board of Directors, as they are recognized as a representative of the minerals industry at large in the province and another voice for the needs of the minerals sector.