Mining Association of Canada names Ben Chalmers as next President and CEO

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — The Mining Association of Canada Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Chalmers as President and CEO, effective January 1, 2027. Chalmers, currently MAC’s Senior Vice President, succeeds Pierre Gratton, who is retiring after more than 15 years leading the association.

Chalmers joined MAC in 2011 and has been responsible for managing the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative since that time. As Senior Vice President, he also oversees MAC’s public affairs, communications and government relations work and has been MAC’s lead on international mining policy.

“This is an important time for mining in Canada, and the Board conducted a thorough search to find the right leader for MAC. Ben stood out for his knowledge of the sector, his record at MAC and the relationships he has built with members, governments and partners. His work supporting the growth of TSM internationally has strengthened Canada’s reputation for mining abroad, as has his significant contribution to the development of the Consolidated Mining Standard. We are confident he will lead MAC well,” said Carol Plummer, Chair of MAC’s Board of Directors.

Chalmers began his mining career in 2004 as an Environmental Supervisor at the Myra Falls Operations in British Columbia. Before joining MAC, he served as Vice President of Environment and Technical Affairs with the Mining Association of British Columbia and as a Senior Policy Analyst with Natural Resources Canada. He was recognized by the Canadian Institute on Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum in 2014 as a Distinguished Lecturer for his work on mining sector tax transparency. He also serves on the Board of Directors of ReThink Mining, where he chairs the Governance Committee.

“After fifteen years with MAC, I’ve watched how Canada’s mining sector has grown to become a recognized strategic sector for the country. I’m excited to keep building on this work with our members and partners across Canada,” said incoming President and CEO Ben Chalmers. “I want to thank Pierre for his years of leadership, friendship and for the guidance he has provided to me and to this association.”

The Mining Association of Canada extends its sincere thanks to Pierre Gratton for his leadership of MAC since 2011 and more than 25 years as a respected advocate for the mining industry. Gratton will retire effective December 31, 2026, and will support the transition over the coming months.

About the Mining Association of Canada (MAC):

The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members account for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining, and semi-fabrication. 

SOURCE The Mining Association of Canada