A $3 million capital campaign for Science North’s Go Deeper expansion project was launched recently at Dynamic Earth.
The project represents the largest investment in mining and earth sciences experiences since Dynamic Earth’s inception in 2001.
Go Deeper will provide memorable experiences that portray modern mining in a realistic way and showcase this rapidly changing and dynamic industry. The total value of the project in Sudbury and across Northern Ontario is $7.4 million.
A key project component encompasses specific strategies to broaden and deepen the scope of Go Deeper across Northern Ontario.
Interactive exhibits at partner attractions, portable exhibits for community events, and classroom STEM kits and programs for First Nation schools will bring educational, economic and social benefits to communities across the North.
A second key project component is the next major phase of physical expansion and renewal at Dynamic Earth.
Underground expansion and new experiences throughout the Centre will showcase modern mining and the future of mining – the equipment, technology, innovation and new opportunities in the industry.
Visitors will discover that Sudbury, and Northern Ontario, are hubs for mining innovations and advanced technologies, driven by entrepreneurs and businesses that are helping to revolutionize the mining sector globally.
The third key project component will expand the reach of Go Deeper to general public and school audiences across Canada.
A fun and educational digital game, developed jointly with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), will feature pan-Canadian content and perspectives of the mining industry.
This new experience will be widely accessible to people across Canada, including those living in rural, underserved and remote communities as well as urban areas.
During the event, Mario Grossi, Co-Chair of the Go Deeper Capital Campaign and CEO of Technica Mining announced that Technica Mining has committed an investment of $1.5M to support the project.
“Indigenous Peoples have cared for this land since time immemorial. It is our shared responsibility to honour the treaty relationships with local Indigenous partners in the spirit of peace, mutual prosperity and environmental stewardship,” said Grossi.
“With this, Technica Mining is humbled to continue our journey toward reconciliation through our support of the Go Deeper project. It is our hope that the project will inspire a new generation of people to explore careers in mining, while celebrating the intelligence of Indigenous traditions, ways of knowing, being and doing. Go Deeper is a critical opportunity for us to share the truth of our past, reconcile our present, and attract the talent to create a better future.”
During the launch event, two other important private sector contributions were announced. Desjardins announced a donation of $250,000 from their GoodSpark Fund, while Glencore confirmed a donation of $200,000 to support the project.
“Through the GoodSpark Fund, Desjardins is supporting emerging community projects that aim to boost regional development and socioeconomic recovery. We are proud to name the Go Deeper initiative at Dynamic Earth as one of these projects,” said Richard Dupuis, Senior Vice-President, Business Banking at Desjardins Ontario Credit Union.
“Youth is an important priority for us, and with this donation Dynamic Earth will be able to provide both educational and professional opportunities for young people.”
“As a long time partner and supporter of Science North, we believe the Go Deeper project will help secure a bright future for Dynamic Earth and aligns with our development of the Craig Mine, Onaping Depth project, which is securing our own mining future in Sudbury,” said Peter Xavier, Vice President, Glencore Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations.
“The automated technologies we are using as mines go deeper is rapidly shifting the way people work, and the education and skills required. The Go Deeper project has the potential to help attract a new generation to the industry.”
In addition to the private sector capital campaign, the project has received significant support from public sector funders.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation announced a $1.5M contribution to the project, Canadian Heritage Canada Cultural Spaces Fund confirmed a $1.1M contribution to the project and Environment and Climate Change Canada has invested $50,000 into the project.
Individuals and organizations interested in investing in the Go Deeper Capital Campaign can contact Ashley Larose, Director of Development at Science North (email [email protected]). More information about the project can be found at godeeper.ca.
“Dynamic Earth is an important asset to not only our community, but also the overall Northern Ontario mining sector,” said Stella Holloway, capital campaign co-chair.
“Through the programs and experiences of the Go Deeper project, all of Northern Ontario will have the opportunity to engage with our vibrant, dynamic and innovative industry. I’m pleased to serve as Co-Chair of this Capital Campaign and am confident the impact of this project will educate, entertain and inspire people of all ages to consider careers in mining. I invite our community to support this important project.”
“We are proud of the strong collaborations between industry, tourism and Indigenous partners that will support the success of the Go Deeper project,” said Jennifer Booth, interim CEO of Science North.
“The new and memorable modern mining and critical mineral experiences will engage diverse audiences across Northern Ontario and Canada, especially underrepresented groups in STEM. We are excited for this project to generate pride, interest and involvement in mining-related education and careers.”
“The support of the Northern Ontario community, and particularly that of the mining sector, is key to the success of this campaign,” said Ashley Larose, director of development at Science North.
“We are very excited about the donations made to date, which total $1,950,000. It's strong proof that Dynamic Earth continues to play a leading role in engaging our communities with the mining sector, and ultimately helping to inspire future generations consider mining career opportunities.”
More information about the project can be found at godeeper.ca.
