The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, has announced that the mining sector’s clean resources proposal made the shortlist for the superclusters initiative in recognition of the project’s potential to generate significant environmental benefits, energize regional economies and create jobs.

CLEER (Clean, Low-energy, Effective, Engaged and Remediated), a clean resources supercluster, is jointly led by the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) and the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI). Together with their industry members, comprising some of Canada’s largest mining companies, CMIC and CEMI will advance the project through the next phase of the application process.

The objectives of the CLEER supercluster are shared priorities with government and the communities where the mining sector operates. This initiative will focus on water use, energy intensity and environmental footprint, with aggressive targets of a 50% reduction in each area by 2027.

Carl Weatherell, Executive Director and CEO, Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC), states that “True innovation is about transformation and working collaboratively across an entire ecosystem inside and outside of mining. Technology roadmaps already in place will help focus efforts and create new technology platforms that will position Canada as the leader in clean resources and clean technology.”

Bora Ugurgel, Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), states that “The CLEER Supercluster has the potential to become Canada’s largest investment in advancing the CLEAN mineral and metal resource extraction industry. The global transition into a low carbon economy will require a more technologically advanced mining industry and CLEER offers the opportunity to engage mine operators, supply and service companies and other stakeholders in the development, demonstration, and adoption of leading clean innovations. CLEER will introduce tangible solutions that enable operating mines to address challenges associated with energy, water, and their environmental footprint.”

Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, states “We are thrilled that the CLEER project is advancing to the next stage and appreciate the government’s recognition of its significant potential. We believe that this project can help Canada become the leading supplier of the sustainably-sourced minerals and metals the world needs in a low carbon future, as well as the technologies the world needs to best extract them.”