Government of Canada Invests $488,250 to Expand & Enhance NORCAT’s Underground Testing Facility in Onaping Falls

News Release

June 30, 2017 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor

The Government of Canada is investing $488,250 to enable NORCAT to accelerate research and spur innovation in the mining sector by continuing to expand its underground technology development and testing facility in Greater Sudbury. This FedNor investment will help meet the growth in mining technology start-ups and multi-national firms seeking to develop and test new mining technologies and prototypes in a safe and controlled underground operating mine environment.

Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, was joined by Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, to make the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Specifically, the FedNor funding will be used to expand electrical and communications systems, ventilation, and lighting in additional underground drifts.  The funding will also enable NORCAT to upgrade existing tools and mechanical workshops and expand surface operations to provide additional space and amenities for technology companies seeking workspaces.

Quotes

"Today’s announcement supports the Government of Canada’s innovation agenda by helping entrepreneurs and businesses develop and test prototypes and new technologies in real-life operating environments. I am proud to see this FedNor investment will help create an innovation ecosystem in Northern Ontario by encouraging companies complete their research and development here at home on Canadian soil."

Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury 

"By investing in NORCAT, our government, through FedNor, is providing Canadian companies with access to the tools and resources they need to commercialize their ideas and inventions. We have no shortage of amazing entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario and this funding will help them create new products, grow their businesses and become strong global brands."

Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt 

"NORCAT is proud to partner with FedNor and the Government of Canada to ensure innovation in mining technology can continue to thrive in Northern Ontario and beyond. By expanding our NORCAT Underground Centre, we continue our proud role to anchor one of the world’s leading mining technology and innovation clusters, while concurrently supporting the commercialization and adoption of leading-edge technologies that will make the global mining industry safer, more efficient, and more productive."

Don Duval, CEO, NORCAT

Quick Facts

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

  • NORCAT is focused on developing and providing world-class programs, services, and resources to reduce injuries, save lives, and enhance productivity in the mining industry and beyond.  In addition, NORCAT is only non-profit regional innovation centre in the world that has an operating mine designed to enable start-ups, small / medium enterprises, and international companies to develop, test, and showcase new and innovative technologies in an operating mine environment.

Associated Links

Contacts

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca

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