The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) has awarded Gordon Winkel, Director of the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management at the University of Alberta, the 2019 Mining Safety Leadership Medal. This award recognizes exceptional contributions by an individual or organization towards improving mining health and safety results within the mining industry in Canada through innovative means.
Retired as vice president of Syncrude Canada Ltd, Winkel joined the University of Alberta in 2010 and has supported the establishment of the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management. His work to improve safety and technology in the mining industry led to three Distinguished Lecturer Awards from CIM in 2002, 2008, and 2013.
Winkel chairs the J. T. Ryan Safety Committee for CIM. He adjudicates the Hatch-CIM Mining and Minerals Project Development Safety Award and is a member of the CIM Executive Safety Strategy Committee. He is also an executive advisor on the Alberta Mining Safety Association Board.
Winkel is a member on safety boards and committees across many industries, and works to provide support in risk management and organizational effectiveness across North America.