March 3, 2025 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce, in partnership with IAMGOLD Corporation (“IAMGOLD”), the creation of the IAMGOLD President’s Innovation Fund for Strategic Investment. This $2.5 million initiative will support academic and research projects that aid in the implementation of the University’s strategic priorities while driving innovation in mineral resources and mining education and research.
This unique fund will enable ideas to become reality and shape the future of many industries through groundbreaking research and innovation. Opportunities will be created for projects in multiple areas including:
- Environmental opportunities, such as emissions reduction, water stewardship, biodiversity support, and tailings management.
- Social opportunities, such as student/community engagement, workforce training, and development.
- Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
- Campus-wide opportunities, fostering collaboration and innovation.
IAMGOLD’s Zero Harm vision prioritizes health, safety, environmental responsibility, and strong community relationships. This latest investment strengthens Laurentian’s position within Canada’s mining sector.
Advancing Innovation in Mining and Sustainability
Open to students, students’ associations, faculty, and staff, the fund will support:
Projects that address challenges faced by the mining industry, providing practical, innovative, education and research-based solutions; and
- Projects that align with the objectives listed in Laurentian University’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029, including the Academic Plan and the Strategic Research Plan.
The fund will also support themes from the Strategic Plan, including: Northern Excellence in Mining and Critical Minerals, Institutional Collaboration, and Partnership priorities, reinforcing Laurentian’s bilingual and tricultural identity while supporting diverse and equity-deserving groups. It will support projects up to a maximum of $50,000 per year, for a maximum of two years.
Quotes
“IAMGOLD is proud to invest in the next generation of mining leaders through this fund. We are honoured to partner with Laurentian University to help our industry take the next step,” said Renaud Adams, IAMGOLD President and CEO. “This fund reflects our commitment to sustainable mining and innovative research, we are very much looking forward to seeing the impact this will have.”
Dr. Lynn Wells, Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor, added, “We are deeply grateful for IAMGOLD’s support. This fund empowers students, faculty, and staff to shape the future of mining and education. We are proud to play a key role in developing the leaders that will push mining forward.”