Ontario is investing in innovative new technology projects in Northern Ontario that will help improve mine productivity, increase operating efficiencies, and help northern businesses expand their global market reach. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, made the announcement while speaking about the province’s thriving mining industry during the official opening of the Ontario Pavilion at the PDAC in Toronto.

Funding through the province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) will support the following four mining supply and service companies in the districts of Greater Sudbury and Nipissing:

• Drillco Mining and Exploration will receive C$250,000 to design, build and field-test the first prototype of the MDS1, the next generation Modular Drilling System, which will be capable of drilling three common platforms, including underground, surface and fly-in operations.
• Nordic Minesteel Technologies Inc will receive C$250,000 to design, create and manufacture a prototype of the Speed Lifter. The Speed Lifter will be able to safely lift and secure a 400-ton truck in less than two minutes.
• Foraco Canada Ltd will receive nearly C$200,000 to create a self-propelled Mobile F36 Skid Steer – Longhole Drill Prototype for underground drilling, which will increase productivity, efficiencies and safety of long-hole drilling operations. It will be the first of its kind in the mining industry.
• RDH Mining Equipment Ltd will receive over C$200,000 to create a Load Haul Dump machine, a smaller loader than the company typically manufactures. This one-cubic-metre Load Haul Dump machine will open up the narrow-vein market for RDH and serve as a frame design for future powertrain development.

In total, these projects will create or retain more than 50 full-time jobs. “Investing in the exploration and mineral development sector is part of Ontario’s plan to create fairness and opportunity during this period of rapid economic change.”