Sudbury’s Laurentian University and gold producer IAMGOLD Corporation (TSE: IMG) (NYSE: IAG) agreed to a USD$2.5 million fund designed for innovation for research, education and in the field of mineral resources.
The two parties announced the deal on Monday during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, which took place in Toronto between March 2-5.
According to the school, the fund will be in support of academic and research projects. IAMGOLD operates the Côté Gold Mine in Gogama, located between Timmins and Sudbury. Since May 2024, the mine has led innovation by using autonomous haul trucks and autonomous blasthole drilling rigs on-site.
“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’s 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.”
In its first nine months of operation, IAMGOLD produced 199,000 ounces of gold, including 96,000 ounces in the fourth quarter.
The fund prioritizes several key areas, including environmental initiatives such as emissions reduction, water stewardship, biodiversity support, and tailings management.
It also focuses on social opportunities like student and community engagement, workforce training, and development. Additionally, the fund supports reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples and promotes campus-wide collaboration and innovation.
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The partnership began in 2012
Students, student associations, faculty, and staff can apply for the fund. The project offers up to CAD$50,000 per project annually for up to two years. Eligible projects must tackle mining industry challenges with practical, research-based solutions or align with Laurentian University’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.
IAMGOLD began its partnership with Laurentian University in 2012 while establishing itself in Northern Ontario and planning what would become the Côté Gold Mine. Over the years, the company has invested significantly in the university, strengthening its commitment to education and mining innovation.
From 2012 to 2016, the gold producer contributed USD$1.25 million to establish the IAMGOLD Research Chair in Open-Pit Mining. Between 2018 and 2023, it invested USD$2 million to support the Bharti School of Engineering, enhancing learning opportunities for engineering students. This long-standing collaboration reflects IAMGOLD’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and advancing the mining industry.
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