Laurentian University Delivers Roadmap for 5 year Minerals and Mining Strategy

(October 7, 2026) – Laurentian University showcased their roadmap for the new Minerals and Mining Strategy during a half-day Strategy Implementation Forum, reinforcing its position as a global leader in mining education, sustainable research, and innovation. This first-of-its-kind strategy outlines key priorities to drive new educational and training opportunities, advance innovative research and technologies, expand co-op and career opportunities, and strengthen regional and Indigenous partnerships across Northern Ontario.

The engagement event brought together industry experts, government officials, university leadership, students, alumni and community partners to hear about the strategy role out, including exciting co-op and career opportunities for students. 

“Laurentian is in the right place for mining. Being in Sudbury, surrounded by operating mines and one of the world's largest mining supply and service clusters, students get both the classroom and real, hands-on industry experience," said Tony Makuch, Chairman, President and CEO of Discovery Mining. "That's what the Mineral and Mining Strategy builds on;  connecting academia and industry so the next generation is ready to lead the sector into a more sustainable and technologically advanced future."

Grounded in Laurentian's bilingual and tricultural mandate, the strategy outlines four core priorities:

Grow Education and Training: 

• Expanding interdisciplinary mining programs, strengthening co-op placements, and offering upskilling opportunities across the full mining life cycle.

Research and Innovation: 

• Advancing critical minerals research, artificial intelligence, waste reclamation, and green mining technologies.

National Convenor: 

• Connecting students, researchers, industry, and government within Sudbury's world-class mining cluster.

Responsible Mining:

• Co-creating research with Indigenous partners, supporting Indigenous leadership, and embedding social licence and ethics into mining education.

"Laurentian University continues to lead the way in critical minerals research and sustainable mining practices," said Dr. Lynn Wells, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. "This strategy ensures that our institution remains at the forefront of higher education and innovation, providing solutions that directly support our local community and the global mining sector."

"This roadmap is designed to reflect the future of the industry, focusing on technology, new and diverse skill sets, and genuine collaboration," said Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk, Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines. "Through strong partnerships with industry leaders and local Indigenous communities, we are creating impactful opportunities for our students, faculty, and industry trainees to build the skills and solutions needed for sustainable and equitable resource extraction in a rapidly changing world."

The Mineral and Mining Strategy aligns Laurentian's academic and research expertise to address modern challenges in the mining sector, including the demand for critical minerals vital to green energy technologies.

To read the full strategy, please visit: https://laurentian.ca/academics/schools/goodman/mining/strategy