The Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University has received a $2 million investment from Canadian mining firm, IAMGOLD Corporation Inc.
The investment will fund the creation of a collaboration space for engineering students in the newly constructed Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building. To honour this contribution, the space will be named the IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction. In addition, funds will support engineering lab refurbishment, upgrades to technology and equipment, research, scholarships as well as student activities and field trips.
“We are grateful to IAMGOLD for their continued support of Laurentian students. This investment will further enhance our students’ learning experience at the Bharti School,” said Dr. Markus Timusk, Director of the Bharti School of Engineering. “Engineering students from across disciplines will have a place to gather, collaborate and share ideas and knowledge. Students will also have access to leading-edge technology and additional experiential learning opportunities.”
With accredited programs in Mining, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering (with Environmental, Mechatronics and Metallurgy Options), the Bharti School of Engineering has experienced tremendous growth and success over the past decade.
"Five years ago, we were new to the region and just at the beginning of developing our Cote Gold project. But step one for us was to establish and develop a relationship with Laurentian,” said Gordon Stothart, Executive Vice President and COO of IAMGOLD Corp. Inc. “IAMGOLD is a company that strongly believes its most valuable asset is our people and Laurentian plays a key role in driving the modernization of Canadian mining education, and will support new generations of aspiring mining professionals."
IAMGOLD’s initial investment in 2013 of $1.25 million, enabled Laurentian to hire two IAMGOLD Research Fellows who have played a role in enhancing teaching and research capacity at the Bharti School of Engineering.
“This investment shows a commitment to the Bharti School of Engineering and a confidence in Laurentian’s students. Relationships with partners such as IAMGOLD, make us stronger and enhances the student experience which in turn delivers the best and the brightest to industry upon graduation,” said Laurentian University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Pierre Zundel.
The Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2018 and will include collaborative research and development space, innovation and commercialization space, as well as space for the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering including four capstone innovation labs, a material analysis lab, environmental and soil mechanics lab, prototype development and machine shop, integrated software lab and lecture theatre, and a hydraulics and fluid mechanics lab.
About IAMGOLD
IAMGOLD Corp. Inc. is a Toronto-based, leading mid-tier gold producer with four operating gold mines (including current joint ventures) on three continents, with a pipeline of development and exploration projects. The company’s growth plans are focused in Canada, select countries in South America and Africa.
ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY
Laurentian University, located on the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research in order to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.