Ontario is supporting a groundbreaking research proposal that will help lead to future mining innovations and create jobs in the North.
The province's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is investing $5 million over seven years to support Laurentian University in its proposal to form a research consortium to better understand how and where base and precious metal deposits formed. This research could lead to improved success in finding ore bodies for future mining development.
Since 2003, Ontario has invested more than $1 billion through the NOHFC to more than 7,463 projects, leveraging more than $3.97 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining over 28,100 jobs in Northern Ontario.
Investing in research and innovation is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Quotes
“The ground-breaking innovation at Laurentian University and in Sudbury's renowned mineral sector are key to maintaining Ontario's reputation as a leading mining jurisdiction. Continuing to invest in research and innovation initiatives like this one in Sudbury will help to grow the economy and create jobs across all of Ontario’s Northern communities.”
-Glenn Thibeault MPP for Sudbury
“Ontario’s capacity to compete globally in the mining sector depends on how well we can harness our research and innovation strengths. Laurentian University’s research consortium supports Ontario’s renewed Mineral Development Strategy, which is providing a blueprint to ensure Ontario remains a global leader in mineral development for years to come.”
-Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC
“Laurentian University is proposing to lead a consortium of Canadian researchers from academia and Canadian and international research centres, government and industry to make Canada a world leader in metal endowment research to enable new mining opportunities.”
-Dr. Rui Wang Vice President, Research, Laurentian University
Quick Facts
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Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested $211 million in 1,210 projects that have helped create or retain more than 3,800 jobs in the Sudbury area.
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Investments in strategic, applied research projects are an important part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario [pdf].
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Ontario is on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18, which will also continue to lower the province’s debt-to-GDP ratio.
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Laurentian University ranks #1 in Canada in National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funding in Economic Geology and in Applied Geophysics, and #1 in Ontario in Mining and Mineral Processing.