Funding supports innovative research at Lakehead University to strengthen the province’s mining sector

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support a five-year Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration at Lakehead University. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is encouraging partnerships between industry and academia to help key industries in the north stay competitive, attract investment and create good-paying jobs.

“Ontario is proud to help fund the groundbreaking mineral exploration research taking place at Lakehead University,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This $1 million investment through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation demonstrates our government’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation in the north. By supporting the five-year Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration position, this partnership strengthens our mining sector, develops skilled talent and fuels long‑term economic growth across the region.”

Lakehead University researchers will work with Kinross Gold, a gold mining company, at the Great Bear deposit in Red Lake to explore how mineral deposits are created. With the NOHFC’s support, the research chair, alongside a team of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, will help unlock the full potential of Ontario’s mining sector by developing new strategies to find mineral-rich areas more efficiently. Kinross Gold and mining companies across Canada will be able to use these tactics to save money and time while searching for deposits that can be developed into new mines.

“Mining is a cornerstone of the economy in northwestern Ontario,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “The NOHFC’s investment in establishing a five-year Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration at Lakehead will strengthen our ability to support responsible mineral development across the region. We appreciate the Government of Ontario’s recognition of the vital role research plays in driving innovation in mineral exploration and supporting the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario.”

“Northern Ontario sits at the heart of Canada’s mineral future and research plays a critical role in unlocking that potential responsibly,” said Dr. Peter Hollings, NOHFC Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration and Director of Lakehead University’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration. “Support from the NOHFC will allow us to expand cutting-edge research in mineral exploration, strengthen partnerships with industry and train the next generation of geoscientists. This investment ensures that discoveries made in the north are driven by world-class science and contribute directly to sustainable resource development in our region.”

“Ontario researchers are unlocking the potential of critical mineral development and further cementing our province as a global mining epicentre,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “With a new research chair, Lakehead University will continue making groundbreaking discoveries in this booming sector, keeping Ontario on the cutting edge of mining innovation.”

“Mining is a driving force behind northwestern Ontario’s economy, creating good jobs and supporting communities across our region,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “By investing in research at Lakehead University, we are strengthening mineral exploration, advancing responsible development and ensuring our region remains competitive in critical minerals. This partnership will help secure long-term growth while training the next generation of skilled professionals right here in the north.”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the north remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,200 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,800 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.