Annual MineOpportunity Games Return to Laurentian with Record Attendance

October 21, 2026— On October 15th, 2026, Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines, in partnership with MineConnect and Modern Mining & Technology Sudbury (MMTS) hosted their annual MineOpportunity Games at Laurentian University in Sudbury. 

The MineOpportunity Games teach skills and knowledge about academic pathways, industry leaders, and career possibilities in the mineral resources industry within Greater Sudbury and beyond. To play the game, teams of students ‘buy’ and upgrade mining properties, and engage with academic and industry professionals to learn about programs, company operations, and careers.

Advancing in the game requires students to find answers and complete challenges related to mining technology, engineering, geosciences, the environment, business, health and safety, careers, corporate social responsibility, and more. At the end of the game, whichever team has accumulated the most wealth through exploration, research, and infrastructure building are the winners.

This year's Games welcomed over 220 English and 160 French students in grades 9-12 from across the Sudbury region, the highest turnout ever seen in the game’s 20 year history. Over 20 companies and Laurentian University departments hosted interactive booths, including Vale Base Metals, Glencore, Technica Mining, Cambrian College, MIRARCO, the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, and many more.

"Reaching a record number of students this year speaks to the growing interest in modern, sustainable mining careers across the North," said Nicole Tardif, Associate Director at the Goodman School of Mines. "Seeing hundreds of high school students engage directly with industry leaders and explore future pathways shows just how critical hands-on learning is for the next generation of our workforce."

Since its inception in 2003, more than 5000 English and French high school students across the north have been reached by MineOpportunity, and have had the chance to learn about modern technologies and career possibilities in the mineral resources industry.  

This year brings exciting new changes and updates to MineOpportunity, thanks to a new partnership with mining supply and services association, MineConnect. With support from MineConnect, MineOpportunity will be expanding to reach students all across the north to deliver the game in a hybrid format, digitized by Toronto-based developer 247 Labs, combining digital and in-person resources to enhance the game’s accessibility in remote communities. This expansion is being made possible with $1.5 million in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and $300,000 from Agnico Eagle.

For more information about the event and upcoming programs, visit: https://laurentian.ca/academics/schools/goodman/events-and-activities/mineopportunity

Media Contact: 

Nicole Tardif Goodman School of Mines, Laurentian University 

Email: ntardif@laurentian.ca 

Phone: 705-675-1151 Ext: 7234