“State-of-the-art training centre in Sudbury will help build economy and create jobs across the province”

GREATER SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing more than $1 million to expand the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) underground mining centre. This investment will help to unleash the economic potential of critical mineral and resource development across Ontario and provide companies with a place to design, test and repair innovative technologies that will help develop solutions for the global mining industry.

“As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we’re investing to make Ontario’s mining sector – as well as the companies and people that support and service this strategically important industry – more competitive, innovative and current,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through targeted investments, our government is building a more resilient, prosperous, and self-reliant economy that will create jobs and help build communities and businesses across the province.”

NORCAT is receiving $1,080,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to build a new facility with a service shop and training rooms, and to purchase new equipment and tools to expand its Underground Centre. The space will provide companies a place to design, test and repair innovative technologies that are helping to build and support mines across the province.

“The ongoing support from the Government of Ontario has been instrumental to our continued growth and success,” said Don Duval, CEO of NORCAT. “With this investment, we’re building a new 6,000-square-foot facility that will expand the capacity at the NORCAT Underground Centre to better serve innovative technology companies developing solutions for the global mining industry. Featuring 3,500 square feet of state-of-the-art shop space, along with modern offices and meeting rooms, this expanded capacity underscores our commitment to accelerating the development, adoption and broader diffusion of emerging technologies that will shape the future of mining.”

The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Located in Greater Sudbury, the NORCAT Underground Centre is an underground operating mine that provides innovative technology development, testing and demonstration services, as well as experiential and hands-on training services.

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.

Media Contacts

Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office
Sam.McCormick@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch
mediadesk.MNEDG@ontario.ca