$450,000 Pledge from Vale and USW to the Dr. Leo Gerard Chair in Occupational Safety and Health

(Toronto, ON – March 2, 2026) – Today, at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention, Vale Base Metals and the United Steelworkers Local 6500 proudly announced a $450,000 pledge to Laurentian University. This funding will support the creation of the Dr. Leo Gerard Research Chair in Occupational Safety and Health, with a focus on the application to mining.

This contribution was made possible through the Joint Occupational Health Committee (JOHC), a collaborative governance body between Vale Base Metals and USW Local 6500. By directing these funds to the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), the JOHC is reinforcing its commitment to advancing safety initiatives within Vale Base Metals’ Ontario Operations and the broader mining sector.

Positioned within CROSH, the Chair, which will honour the life work of Dr. Leo Geard, will focus on mobilizing research, training, and innovation to prevent injuries, protect workers and save lives. Dr. Leo Gerard, Companion of the Order of Canada, USW International President Emeritus, Founding Chair of CROSH and Laurentian University honorary degree recipient, has been instrumental in the growth of CROSH and the development of the CROSH Mobile Lab. The Chair is designed to be a catalyst for innovation and education, particularly within high-risk resource-based sectors.

Quotes

“Through this joint investment with USW Local 6500 we are investing in Laurentian University research capacity at the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health. Applying this research will enhance worker protection and improve health and safety performance across our operations, the mining sector, and beyond.” Gord Gilpin, Director of Ontario Operations, Vale Base Metals

"This pledge is a direct result of the collaborative spirit and shared commitment between Vale Base Metals and USW Local 6500 through the JOHC. Directing these funds to CROSH and the Dr. Leo Gerard Chair is a powerful way to ensure that research, innovation, and training continue to drive a safer future for our members and the entire resource-based sector. Worker safety is non-negotiable, and we are proud to support this lasting legacy." Raymond Hammond (USW Local 6500)

"We are profoundly grateful to Vale Base Metals and USW Local 6500 for this visionary investment. This pledge not only accelerates our mission as Canada’s Mining University but also strengthens the vital link between academic research and real-world workplace safety. It is a fitting tribute to Dr. Gerard’s decades of dedication to our students, the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health and the safety of all workers." Dr. Lynn Wells, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University