The CIM conference in Edmonton was opened this evening by Komatsu and the past, present, and next president of the CIM.  The Loyal Edmonton Regiment marched in with red, white, and black bedecked drummers; the loud & aggressive drummers lead the dignitaries to the podium; a few short speeches and a ribbon cutting followed.

We repaired to the exhibition hall.  With beer and meat in hand, I chatted with Jim Rovers, National VP Sales and Marketing for AFI International.  We exchanged tales of mines and miners and how they prepare for and live through labor disputes: secure equipment, bring in managers from other operations to keep things going, and keep product moving through ports and along rail lines.  An interesting byway of the mining industry.

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