FedNor invests over $2 million to position Greater Sudbury as an Electric Vehicle Battery hub

News release

FedNor funding to set the stage for Northern Ontario’s key role in the green economy

July 5, 2022 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Every stage of the critical mineral value chain presents an opportunity for Canada. In Northern Ontario, our mining industry produces many of the critical minerals needed to make the highly sought-after batteries that power electric vehicles. Driven by the clean-tech shift to reduce global emissions, the region is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities to develop and test Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) for industrial use.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, joined Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages to announce a FedNor investment of $2,004,195 in two BEV projects in Greater Sudbury to support jobs, growth, and Northern Ontario’s green economy.

Of the total, NORCAT will receive $1,321,875 to acquire and incorporate mining equipment powered by batteries and electric motors. This investment will support NORCAT’s transition to a green operation through the purchase of BEVs and revamping and upgrading of infrastructure. The new equipment will create opportunities for the development, testing, and demonstration of products such as software and IT for this emerging mining equipment technology, while also providing hands-on exposure for mining companies and work-force training.

As part of the announcement, Cambrian College will receive FedNor funding of $682,320 to establish a BEV Lab within its Centre for Smart Mining, a nationally recognized Technology Access Centre, located in the Glencore Centre for Innovation. Once complete, the BEV lab will allow research staff, students, and faculty to work with industry partners to test and refine industrial BEV technology. This includes providing advanced support services to small businesses and mining companies for testing batteries, powertrains and electric motors for industrial equipment, as well as facilitating specialized training of employees on heavy-duty BEV maintenance.

Quotes

“The shift to green technology presents so many opportunities for Northern Ontario. With the ever-increasing global demand for electric vehicles and our robust supply of resources and expertise, Northern Ontario is ready to deliver. This investment of over $2 million in Cambrian College and NORCAT accelerates our emerging Battery Electric Vehicles market and supports a successful and sustainable transition to a low-carbon economy.”  

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Today’s announcement will help create many new economic benefits for Greater Sudbury and beyond. Replacing diesel powered equipment with electric alternatives will help reduce emissions, increase efficiencies and create a healthier planet and work environments due to improved air quality. Together, we are building a world-class BEV hub in Northern Ontario, while helping our mining and industrial sectors go green.”

- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“The FedNor support announced today will help Canada transition to green technologies through innovation. Empowering Canadian businesses to pioneer new industry developments is a critical means of keeping our economy strong, and remaining on the cutting edge of technology ensures we remain global leaders in green modernization.”

- Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“NORCAT is a global leader in skilled labour training and development, and FedNor’s support is helping to make sure we remain a one-stop shop for all that is the future of mining technology and innovation. This funding will foster a green transition not only with us at NORCAT, but with our community partners and fellow innovative companies. Today’s announcement will help us continue to drive future economic and social prosperity for Canadians.”

-       Don Duval, CEO, NORCAT

“The advancement of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is absolutely key to our nation meeting its commitments to reducing its carbon footprint. This funding from FedNor will help Cambrian and the community of Greater Sudbury continue to be a leader in driving forward industrial BEV technology - BEV technology is smart mining in action. We’re honoured to be part of this evolution in mining and heavy industry.”

- Dr. Mike Committo, Director of Cambrian R&D, the applied research division of Cambrian College

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which supports businesses at all stages of development, including start-up, scale-up and technology adoption.

  • In December 2020, the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario announced an investment of $10 Million to establish North America’s first cobalt refinery in Northern Ontario and accelerate domestic production of battery-grade cobalt sulfate, a required element needed to produce long-range electric vehicles.

Associated links

Contacts

Alison Murphy, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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