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Sudbury research mine gets nearly $1M in expansion funding

NORCAT’s Underground Centre is a sub-surface lab where mining companies can test new technologies
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Nickel City innovation mill NORCAT is receiving $488,250 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. and the same amount through FedNor toward expanding the facility’s research mine. (File)

Nickel City innovation mill NORCAT is receiving $488,250 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. and the same amount through FedNor toward expanding the facility’s research mine.

The $976,500 in funding will help the state-of-the-art mine continue in its mission of providing a petri dish for the development of new mining technologies. 

Sudbury MPP and Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault was on hand to make the announcement, on behalf of Northern Development and Mines Minister Bill Mauro.

“NORCAT continues to work to help develop innovative mining technologies,” Thibeault said. “Our support for the Underground Centre in Onaping is improving on a unique facility that supports companies in the development of specialized products and services that are exported around the world.” 

Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre and Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré made the FedNor announcement on behalf of Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

The NORCAT research mine provides mining companies with an active laboratory where they can develop and test new mining technologies. The upgrades the NOHFC money will help fund include improved ventilation and electrical systems, which the province says will enhance workers’ health and safety on the job. 

Since its opening in 2015, the research mine has proven its worth, NORCAT CEO Don Duval said in a statement.

 Our Underground Centre has exceeded expectations with the number of clients utilizing the facility, and Ontario’s investment in our expansion project will help more companies develop and demonstrate their innovative technologies,” he said. 
 


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