The Government of Canada is set to invest $15 million in innovative mining projects intended to help facilitate the commercialization of mining technologies and improve productivity and sustainability in the sector.
On Thursday, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, announced the 24 selections made for the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) Networks second call for proposals.
MICA invited applicants to submit projects that aimed to position Canada as a global leader in mining innovation by accelerating the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies developed within the country.
To support the development and commercialization of new mining technologies, MICA has received a total of $40 million from the Strategic Innovation Fund investment program thus far. This funding is allocated towards projects that focus on advancing innovative mining technologies.
MICA’s primary objective is to foster connectivity among Canada’s regional mining clusters and promote collaboration among various stakeholders, including companies, suppliers, academic and research institutions, innovators, and others. By encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration, MICA strives to generate technical and business synergies among its members.
The mining industry continues to play a vital role in Canada’s economy, contributing $125 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, equivalent to approximately 5 per cent of the total GDP.
MICA’s projects covered a range of themes from enhancing mining operations by increasing production capacity to mitigating environmental risks through initiatives focused on remediation, reclamation, waste management and sustainable practices.
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Projects chosen display diversity of funding initiatives
Representing a significant cross section of the 24 selected projects, these five projects funded through the MICA Network include:
KorrAI Technologies Ltd. from Nova Scotia received $989,400 to support their satellite-based mine site monitoring project. They utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and InSAR technology to provide valuable insights for engineering decisions.
GRi Simulations Inc. from Newfoundland and Labrador secured $1.8 million for their dynamic operations simulation and digital twin platform development. This project aims to enhance autonomous mining operations through advanced simulations and digital twin technology.
Novamera Inc. based in Ontario received $7.8 million for their surgical mining project at the Rumbullion Vein in the Hammerdown mine site in Newfoundland. Their innovative mining techniques aim to improve resource extraction.
Red Paramount Iron Ltd. obtained $13.8 million for the development of the Lac Virot project in British Columbia. This funding supports the pilot plant operations in phases 1 and 2, focused on extracting iron resources.
Baie Minerals Inc. from Newfoundland and Labrador received $1.5 million to support their project on sustainable extraction of industrial minerals and decontamination of toxic waste from abandoned asbestos tailings in Baie Verte. The project aims to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable mining practices.
These projects exemplify the diverse initiatives funded by MICA, contributing to the advancement of mining technologies and practices in different regions of Canada.
MICA’s funding would allow the selected recipients to create new tools and technologies to support these themes. For example, projects may target reducing carbon emissions in the potash sector or expanding the use of autonomous driving for underground mining. With this second call for proposals, MICA expected to attract over $100 million in private investment and create and retain over 400 highly skilled jobs for Canadians.
“Our government is determined to make innovation the cornerstone of the low-carbon economy. As the demand for essential minerals grows, our mining industry will continue to play a vital role in this green transition, thanks in part to groundbreaking projects like those presented today,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
The MICA Network comprises six main partners situated across Canada: the Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining in British Columbia, InnoTech Alberta in Alberta, Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatchewan, MaRS in Ontario, Groupe MISA in Quebec and the College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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