Ontario Moves to Increase Support for Mining

THUNDER BAY – MINING – “Today’s Mining Innovation Summit and our investment in CEMI are proof Ontario is committed to supporting the future of the mining sector and ensuring that we are the global leader in sustainable mineral development. Our government is pleased to partner with CEMI as it leads the way to ensure ultra-deep mines operate more effectively and safely, generate more value, improve the human environment and enhance mine productivity,” says Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

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.

“CEMI greatly appreciates the ongoing support of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and the NOHFC as we deliver innovation-driven, commercially viable productivity improvements to meet the challenges that confront the mining industry. I also want to thank the Minister Gravelle personally for his support of CEMI and acknowledge his strong commitment to research, innovation and the commercialization of new mining technology that will make the Ontario mining industry – both mining companies and service and supply companies together – a leader in the global mining technology. We hope that collectively the Innovation Summit will set the stage for the creation of a sustainable ecosystem that will deliver innovation to the mining industry and help build a stronger economy for Ontario and Canada,” commented Douglas Morrison, President and CEO, CEMI.

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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Mining Innovation Summit 2016 NOHFC CEMI – Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation UDMN – Ultra Deep Mining Network Growth Plan for Northern Ontario [pdf]