The Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) along with partners from across Canada, submitted a proposal to the Government of Canada’s Innovation Supercluster Initiative in 2017. The objective was to transform the mining sector’s productivity, performance, and competitiveness by tackling the shared global challenges of water, energy, and environmental footprint, with bold targets of a 50% reduction in each area by 2027. Unfortunately, the proposal was not selected to receive Government funding.

Nevertheless, this initiative was a turning point for the mining sector. It sparked an enthusiastic response from members of the mining innovation ecosystem that witnessed an unprecedented level of collaboration among members.

The CMIC, its supporters and members remain committed to transforming Canada’s mining industry by advancing the innovation dial forward and pivoting to a modernistic, mining company-led approach.

Several mining companies that originally pledged significant funding to the Supercluster initiative have united and indicated they will retain portions of those commitments for innovation projects that directly address significant reductions in energy, water and environmental footprints.

In the coming few months, the CMIC will be working closely with member mining companies to identify and then select a few key projects to be launched in Q2-Q3 of this year.

Matching external funding (potentially from a Government of Canada program) will also be welcomed to help achieve these goals provided that industry criteria and timelines are met.