Ontario is investing in mining industry research that will reduce operating costs, create jobs and enhance miner safety. The province is providing support through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp (NOHFC) for the following two projects led by Sudbury, Ontario-based research organisations.

The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation is creating a mobile canopy system to enable mining companies to develop underground drifts faster while keeping workers and equipment safe. By speeding up the development of deep mineral deposits, the provincial investment will help make it more cost-effective to open new mines, leading to more mining jobs in Northern Ontario.

The Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization is testing filters to protect miners from pollutants from underground diesel equipment. By reducing the volume of fresh air ventilation needed in mines, it will lower operating costs, which will help companies extend mine life and retain jobs. It is estimated this will indirectly create as many as 20 jobs and could retain as many as 500.

“We are making smart investments through the NOHFC to help support innovation and job creation in key sectors like mining. When we support Northern Ontario’s success and build on the North’s unique strengths in mining, we ensure a more prosperous future for the entire province,” said Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, and Chair of the NOHFC responded: “I am very pleased that the NOHFC is investing in innovative research in Northern Ontario. These projects will further advance Sudbury’s position as a leader in the mining services and supply sector. And they will have a large impact on underground workplaces, and on the health and safety of underground workers.”

Through the NOHFC, Ontario is providing $783,916 to the Canopy Project at the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation, a not-for-profit organization that directs innovation projects in the mining industry. The picture shows a Canopy Project screen capture.

The province is providing $100,000 through the NOHFC for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Research project at the Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization. It is a not-for-profit organization that brokers research projects in the mining sector.