Government of Canada invests over $1.5 million in mining facilities and innovation in Northern Ontario
News release
FedNor funding will support AI development and help NORCAT expand its Underground Centre
Februar 19, 2026 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
In a rapidly changing world, Canada’s Government is focused on what we can control; building a stronger more resilient Canada. Through strategic investments that help us empower Canadians, communities and industries that drive our economy forward, including Northern Ontario’s globally recognized mining innovation sector.
That is why today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury announced that FedNor is investing $1,560,000 to help NORCAT and LoopX advance two strategic initiatives designed to support innovation and growth in the mining sector, while creating good jobs. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), NORCAT will receive $1,080,000 to complete phase III of its Underground Centre expansion. This final phase represents the completion of a 550 square-meter space with state-of-the-art shop and mechanic facilities, equipment and tools, offices and meeting rooms, and learning spaces. This expansion builds on the recently completed 1,100-square-meter facility in Onaping Falls, supporting NORCAT’s continued role as a global one-stop shop in mining technology and innovation.
Once complete, this project is expected to create over 15 new jobs and to support NORCAT’s capacity to serve over 25 unique technology clients per year. In addition, over 10 mining technology businesses will be created, expanded, or modernized because of access to the new infrastructure, tools, and equipment this initiative will help provide.
As part of today’s announcement, LoopX will receive $480,000 to advance the development and commercialization of its generative AI-powered analytics system. This technology will enable safer, more efficient mining operations by improving real-time decision-making and operational awareness. It will also support new jobs, specialized equipment, supplies, and intellectual property protection, helping bring the technology closer to market.
By supporting world-class mining innovation, cutting-edge AI solutions, and local industries, Canada’s Government is ensuring that Northern Ontario continues to prosper as a leader in mining technology. These projects will help create good jobs, strengthen regional economies, and position the sector for long-term success.
Quotes
“Canada’s government is focused on what we can control: building a strong and resilient Canada. Through FedNor, we’re helping build the infrastructure that supports innovation, protecting the strength of key sectors and, empowering Northern Ontario’s workers to succeed. Today’s investment not only supports the growth of organizations like NORCAT and LoopX, it helps drive long-term prosperity across the region.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“Greater Sudbury is a mining powerhouse, and organizations like NORCAT and LoopX are a big reason we remain a market known for innovation and production. This investment of over $1.5 million will help create opportunities and foster new development by helping to meet the industry demands of today and tomorrow. Resilience for the Sudbury region requires innovation to help move our economy forward, and partnerships with organizations like these will help make that happen.”
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“NORCAT is proud to be a locally-driven organization that promotes, educates, and supports entrepreneurs, innovators, and workers. Thanks to support from FedNor and the Government of Canada, we will continue to help our clients fulfill their diverse and ambitious priorities by providing them with the skills and confidence to do so. Our impact is measured by the success of our partners, and we are proud to help them achieve excellence.”
- Greg Major, Director, NORCAT Underground Centre
"Making our generative AI-powered analytics system stronger, scalable and ready for widespread adoption in the mining industry is a gamechanger for LoopX. This FedNor funding has help us take the system to the next level by ensuring the system’s seamless operation in diverse mining conditions, including surface and underground mines."
- Chao Yu, Founder & CEO at LoopX
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI) and Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative for Northern Ontario, which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
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This project aligns the Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.
Associated links
Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations