Minerals and Mining Strategy
Northern Solutions to Develop Mining Talent, Research, and Innovation
Purpose
Laurentian University’s Minerals and Mining Strategy outlines a vision to strengthen Laurentian’s role as Canada’s Mining University during a period of geopolitical change, critical mineral demand, and rapid technological transformation.
This web page signals direction, invites collaboration, and guides implementation and deployment of our strategic goals.
Why Laurentian?
Laurentian University is uniquely positioned to support the future of mining through:
- Its location in one of the world’s largest integrated mining clusters (Greater Sudbury);
- Proximity to globally significant geology and over 140 years of active mining;
- A 65+ year legacy in mining education, research, and environmental reclamation;
- A bilingual and tricultural mandate, including deep Indigenous partnerships;
- Strong outcomes for graduates: 93% employment at six months and 98% at two years;
- Research Centres focused across the mining life cycle (MERC, CROSH, MIRARCO, CFEU);
- Leadership from the Harquail School of Earth Sciences and the Mineral Exploration Research
Centre (MERC) in major initiatives, including Metal Earth ($104M); and - An experienced and award-winning community of faculty and staff, with the Goodman School
of Mines providing focused leadership and accountability for delivering on the Strategy’s
priorities.
Laurentian University is the best place on Earth to study and pursue research in mining and the environment.
-
1:27 - Personalized learning with a low faculty/student ratio
-
Vast breadth of expertise from award-winning faculty and researchers that is unmatched
-
Large employment base with high-salaried career opportunities
-
Best consecutive post-graduate employment ratio in the province: 93% after 6 months
- Multicultural, diverse, welcoming and supportive
environment
1. Grow Education and Training Across the Mining Life Cycle
Build the workforce of tomorrow by:
- Expanding interdisciplinary mining education (e.g., engineering, geology, environment, business, Indigenous studies, health and safety)
- Strengthening co-ops, experiential learning, and industry-embedded training
- Supporting student transition into mining-related careers
- Upskilling and reskilling professionals through micro-credentials and short courses, undergraduate and graduate program offerings (in-person and online)
2. Research, Innovate, and Develop Transformative Mining Technologies
Advance applied research and technology adoption by:
- Growing capacity in critical areas (e.g., waste reclamation, exploration, AI, automation/robotics, ESG, sustainable design)
- Expanding graduate training aligned with industry needs
- Supporting pilot-scale testing and commercialization with SMEs and operators
- Recruiting research leadership (e.g., Canada Research Chairs, Industrial Chairs)
3. Make Laurentian the Place Where Mining Leaders Connect
Position Laurentian as a national convenor by:
- Bringing together students, researchers, industry, and governments
- Leveraging Sudbury’s innovation ecosystem (e.g., NORCAT, SNOLAB, CEMI, MineConnect, ICEMD, post-secondary partners, and others)
- Strengthening outreach, marketing, and government relations
- Expanding youth engagement and early-pathway programs
4. Leverage Laurentian’s Tricultural Identity for Responsible Mining
Advance reconciliation and inclusion by:
- Co-creating content and research with Indigenous partners
- Supporting Indigenous leadership, training, and economic participation
- Embedding social licence, ethics, and ESG into mining education
- Expanding access for Indigenous learners and equity-deserving groups
What Comes Next:
- Review final draft with faculty, Indigenous partners, industry, and government
- Ensure alignment with Ontario and Canada’s Critical Minerals and Defence Strategies
- Release the detailed strategy and implementation plan in Spring 2026
