Former Inco exec to receive honourary doctorate from Laurentian

The former chief operating officer of Inco Ltd. will receive an honourary doctorate from Laurentian University in June.

Mark Cutifani, now the CEO of Anglo American, returned to Sudbury this week where he took in an international mining safety conference, before delivering an Oct. 27 lecture at Science North in the evening.

He was the guest speaker at Laurentian University's Goodman School of Mines' GSM lecture.

Cutifani, who worked for Inco from 2003-2007, focused his speech on changing the conversation around mining and how the industry can make positive connections with communities and economies.

The hour-long lecture was well attended, and Cutifani was tested with questions about leadership challenges and the mining industry's track record with respect to the environment, citing recent developments about Vale leaking toxic runoff into the city's waterways.

The announcement that he'll receive the honourary doctorate came from Laurentian's vice-president, academic, Robert Kerr.

“Tonight we have heard from one of the great leaders in mining,” Kerr said. “Mr. Cutifani has led thousands of people into working co-operatively and safely together, he has a leadership style that puts his focus on people, accountability and the delivery of sustainable value.

“We are indeed privileged to have him here tonight and I have the great pleasure of announcing that after June 1, 2016 we will be introducing Mr. Cutifani as Dr. Cutifani, as Laurentian University will be a giving doctorate as an honourary degree in recognition of his lifelong achievements.”