Scholarships - Canadian Mineral Analysts (CMA)
The CMA provides scholarships to students who are enrolled in mineral science or chemical technology programs at Canadian colleges. The awards are not only made on the basis of the student’s academic performance but students are evaluated by the college on their involvement, commitment and overall motivation towards pursuing a career in the Canadian mining industry. Some scholarships have been named in honour of CMA members who were long time members and have been staunch supporters of the CMA and its activities. The individuals so honoured are Mr. James Tweed, Dr. Ian Devereux, Mr. Bill Clifford, and Dr. Eric Hoffman.
The James Tweed BCIT Scholarship
Presented annually at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Vancouver. James Tweed, a founding member of the CMA and a past managing secretary had a lifetime commitment to the Canadian mining industry having worked 25 years with Dome Mines. 10 years as a lab manager at Dome’s Sigma Mine in Val Dor, Quebec and 15 years as a lab supervisor at the Dome Mine property in Timmins Ontario. He died August 23, 1992. In 1992 at the Val d’Or, Quebec conference it was decided to name the BCIT scholarship in his honour.
His feelings for the CMA are best reflected in these words from his last managing secretary’s report in 1989: I like to think that our success as an organization is due to many factors such as good fellowship, a chance to discuss problems with your peers, an opportunity to see and discuss the latest technology with a variety of exhibitors.
I also think it is important for our membership to attend our annual meetings as it gives them a break from the daily grind and I am sure they all return to their respective laboratories with a sense of renewal”.
The Ian Devereux Scholarship
Created in 2009 at the Bathurst, New Brunswick conference and is presented annually to a student enrolled at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Before his retirement, Dr. Ian Devereux was the Managing Director and owner of Rocklabs, a company that manufacturers sample preparation equipment for the mining industry.
He has a MSc (Honours) degree in Chemistry as well as a PhD in Geochemistry. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry and Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Professional achievements include receiving the ANZAC Fellow awarded by the Australian Government and the 1996 Mineral Industry Operating technique award from the AusIMM. Dr. Devereux has been a CMA member since 1967 and was presented with a Lifetime Membership in 2008 in recognition of his contributions to the CMA.
As an international traveler Dr. Devereux has promoted the CMA world wide.
Dr. Devereux passed away April 25, 2020.
The Bill Clifford Scholarship
Created in 2015 and is awarded annually by the Canadian Mineral Analysts (CMA) to a student enrolled in the BCIT Assayer Certification Training Program. Assayer Certification in BC started in 1895.
Bill enjoyed an extensive career in the gold mining industry.
Bill worked in the mining industry for over 50 years. He was well known and respected for his knowledge of the methods, products, the business, his integrity and professionalism. He was a calm caring individual and always a gentleman.
After graduating from high school, Bill started working for Swastika Laboratories in Swastika, Ontario, which is part of the extended "gold camp" of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. The main service of the lab was assaying for gold content, working with exploration companies and established mines.
Bill started in the sample preparation room of the lab while learning the trade from the co-owners: Mr. William Gerrie and Dr. Douglas Ker-Lawson.
The Bill Clifford Scholarship Continued...
The Eric Hoffman Scholarship
Created in 2016 and is presented annually by the Canadian Mineral Analysts (CMA) to a student enrolled at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Eric Hoffman was an economic geologist with over 30 years of experience in minerals exploration, analysis, and management. He passed away on July 10, 2015. In 1974, he received his Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Geology and his Masters of Science in Geology in 1975, both from McGill University. In 1974, Eric was awarded the Logan Gold Medal for Highest Standing and graduated with First Class Honours with Great Distinction. He received his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Toronto in 1978.
The Canadian Innovation Leader Award was presented to Eric in 2009 by the Government of Canada. In 2013, Eric received the Association of Applied Geochemists’ Gold Medal for outstanding scientific achievement in applied geochemistry.
Eric Hoffman Scholarship continued...