Ontario Investing in Critical Mineral Processing and Battery Material Recycling Lab in Sudbury

Provincial investment to expand critical mineral processing in Northern Ontario will make the region a hub for mining innovation

SUDBURY — As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a strong mining industry and integrated battery supply chain, the province is providing $262,100 to Cambrian College to establish a critical mineral processing and battery material recycling space in its Chemical Analyses and Scientific Services (CASS) lab. This new innovation space will help unlock more opportunities in the province’s made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain, with help from leading colleges and universities in Northern Ontario.

“Ontario is building on the world-class leadership of the province’s mining sector with this investment in Cambrian College’s Chemical Analyses and Scientific Services lab,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Investments like this are part of our plan to protect workers, businesses and jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs, while building one of the most competitive economies in the G7 that is stronger, more resilient and self-reliant.

Cambrian College is receiving Ontario government funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to build a key piece of applied research infrastructure that supports early-stage critical minerals projects. Through collaboration with post-secondary institutions and critical minerals producers, the project provides new opportunities for small and mid-sized critical mineral companies to perform applied research and development and obtain valuable data to help them enhance their operations.

“At Cambrian, we believe our greatest impact happens at the intersection of academia and industry,” said Kristine Morrissey, President of Cambrian College.

“That’s where real innovation occurs. And that’s why we’ve made it a core part of our mission to ensure our students aren’t just prepared for the future; they’re actively shaping it. This new Critical Minerals Development Lab is a perfect example of that vision in action. It’s about ensuring that our students, our region and our partners are equipped to lead in the shift toward electrification and a low-carbon economy.”

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.

Quotes

“Our government is taking active steps to Protect Ontario by unlocking the economic potential of our critical minerals. With this investment, Cambrian College’s Chemical Analyses and Scientific Services lab will bolster homegrown production of critical mineral processing and battery material recycling research, strengthening our workforce and cementing Northern Ontario as a hub for mining innovation.” – Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

“Ontario’s government is doubling down on our vision to transform Canada into the most competitive, self-reliant jurisdiction in the G7,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This cutting-edge lab represents more than just research – it’s an essential step in securing a reliable, homegrown critical mineral supply chains that create jobs for Canadians. While other jurisdictions are searching for solutions, Ontario is leading – with bold action, unmatched resources, and a plan to drive the new economy.” – Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.

“What makes this lab special is that it’s not just a place for analysis, it’s a place for discovery. Our lab will look for new ways to support a greener, circular and more sustainable economy, by working with like-minded entities in this space. Whether recovering metals from tailings and spent EV batteries, or pioneering in the earliest stages of mineral processing, we will support start-ups, build new workflows, help partners validate or refine technologies, all the while offering students real-world experiences in advanced R&D settings. By building this capacity locally, we’re also making a statement: that Sudbury and Northern Ontario are not only rich in resources, but they’re also rich in expertise, innovation and opportunity.” – Madiha Khan, Analytical Research Lead, Cambrian R&D

Quick Facts

Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
Through the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Province is investing an additional $207 million over three years starting in 2025–26 in the Ontario Research Fund – Research Infrastructure (ORF-RI), to provide institutions, such as Ontario universities, colleges and research hospitals, with funding to acquire infrastructure and engage in global research and development.

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.