Ontario is creating good jobs and helping grow the mining industry in the North by supporting research and development that will increase the innovation in the mining sector and competitiveness in the global market.
Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, made the announcement today at the Mining Innovation Summit in Sudbury. With an investment through the province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation’s (CEMI) ongoing work with the Ultra Deep Mining Network (UDMN) is helping the mining sector develop and adopt commercially viable innovations, a five-year initiative first started in 2014 that has created nearly 30 jobs in Northern Ontario to date.
The province, in partnership with the federal government, is supporting this research initiative by CEMI and UDMN that will help mining companies and organizations develop technologies to enhance the safety, efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
Supporting a positive environment for mining innovation is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy, and help people in their everyday lives.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is investing $2.5 million in CEMI and its ongoing work with the UDMN.
- CEMI is recognized globally as an innovator in mining, exploration, mining engineering and environmental sustainablity. It helps companies and organizations looking for industry-focused mining innovation support. CEMI, with a track record of innovations and collaborative networks in mine productivity, mine construction and high-stress conditions, led the way in establishing Canada’s first UDMN.
- The 2016 Mining Innovation Summit, held in Sudbury, brought together experts from across North America to discuss ways to support innovation in Ontario’s mining.
- The Mining Innovation Summit was a commitment made under the renewed Mineral Development Strategy – a comprehensive 10-year plan to make Ontario the global leader in sustainable mineral development.
- Sudbury is home to nine research institutes focused on mining innovation.
- The value of Ontario’s mineral production reached $10.8 billion in 2015.
- Since 2013, the NOHFC has invested $446 million in projects in the North, leveraging more than $1.4 billion in direct economic activity in Northern Ontario that has created or retained 9,985 jobs.
Article borrowed from http://www.mining.com/web/innovation-driving-growth-in-ontario-mining-industry/