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Ontario sets aside funding for mining research projects

26th September 2014

By: Henry Lazenby

Creamer Media Deputy Editor: North America

  

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TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne on Friday announced government funding for several mining research projects aimed at creating jobs, reducing operating costs and enhancing miner safety.

Wynne announced in Sudbury that the province would provide financial support through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for Sudbury-based research organisations.

This included providing $783 916 to the Canopy project at the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation, which was working to create a mobile canopy system to enable mining companies to develop tunnels faster while keeping workers and equipment safe. By speeding up the development of deep mineral deposits, the provincial investment would help make it more cost effective to open new mines, leading to more mining jobs in Northern Ontario.

The Canadian Mining Industry Research Organisation, which was testing filters to protect miners from pollutants generated by underground diesel equipment, also received a $100 000 cash injection. By reducing the volume of fresh-air ventilation needed in mines, operating costs would be lowered, which would help companies extend mine life and retain jobs. It was estimated that this would indirectly create as many as 20 jobs and could retain as many as 500.

Since 2003, the NOHFC had invested $953-million in 6 200 projects across Northern Ontario, creating or sustaining more than 23 800 jobs.

“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,"
 Wynne emphasised.

The province said it sought partnerships that fostered mining innovation, created jobs and improved the safety of workers in the North that were part of its plan to build Ontario up by investing in people, building modern infrastructure and supporting a dynamic and innovative business climate.

"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 the health and safety of underground workers,” 
NOHFC chairperson and Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle said.

The Ontario government last month announced that it had established the Ring of Fire (RoF) Infrastructure Development Corporation, first mooted in November last year.

The provincial government explained that the not-for-profit corporation’s headquarters would be located in Thunder Bay and its mandate would be to bring First Nations, the public and private sectors together to create partnerships and facilitate investment decisions in strategic transportation infrastructure.

In its mature state, the corporation would be in a position to advise on crucial infrastructure investment decisions, including how to best use Ontario's $1-billion commitment to RoF infrastructure.

Edited by Tracy Hancock
Creamer Media Contributing Editor

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