As the demand for innovation in mining continues to grow, Mining3 has taken steps to increase its footprint by establishing a new office in Toronto, Canada. Mining3 is a global-focused entity so the need to provide a physical presence to service the Americas and Europe became apparent. The establishment of a Toronto based office presents numerous benefits to both members and the mining industry including greater understanding, participation and access to new technology being developed by Mining3. In turn, Mining3 gains better insight into the areas of focus and ‘pain points’ of mining companies operating in these regions.

Susan Grandone, former Program Director at Mining3, is heading up the new office in her role as Managing Director, Mining3 Canada. Susan relocated to Toronto in 2016 and has been working closely with Barrick Gold, a Mining3 member, to assist in delivering their innovation strategy. The new office will provide a strengthened capability and capacity for working with Mining3 members in the Americas and Europe to ensure they are involved in and informed about advancements in the current research portfolio and new projects.

“Mining3 Canada will work to build partnerships with research groups and universities based in North America to enhance our unique capability to collaboratively solve complex mineral industry challenges.” While the Toronto office will continue to leverage expertise in Australia, there will be a strong focus on identifying new research partners with programs in areas that include, AI, automation, robotics, machine learning, data analytics, electric/battery technology, geomechanics, modularity and traditional mining topics.

In addition, Mining3 will seek to facilitate funded collaborations between industry and research groups in the region. This works to leverage Mining3’s operating model that partners with the mining industry to identify key industry challenges, and facilitate collaborative relationships between mining companies, industry suppliers and research groups. Mining3 has a track record of successful collaborations which have led to new technologies such as SmartCap, Pegasys and Shovel Assist (MineWare), GroundProbe and Cave Tracker.

“This bold new step supports and furthers the Mining3 strategic vision which seeks to expand internationally, providing the global mining industry with better access to existing, emerging and new technology to transform mining now and into the future.”