Ontario Research & Development Challenge Fund

Laurentian University is first to receive funding from the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund.

The Honourable Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance announces investment from Challenge Fund in Provincial Budget Speech.

Sudbury, May 7, 1998: Laurentian University and its Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) are very pleased with the announcement in the May 5, 1998 Ontario Budget, that Laurentian's proposed project on Research and Development for Sustainable Mining will receive funding. Laurentian was one of three Ontario universities awarded such funding from the first round of submissions to the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund. Laurentian requested $2.2 million in its proposal; the amount awarded by the Province will be announced at a later date.

  The $500 million fund supports leading-edge research and development through partnerships between Ontario's research institutions and the private sector. In his budget, Finance Minister Ernie Eves announced that the Province will accelerate $135 million of the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund commitment over the next three years to match the Canadian Foundation for Innovation's initial awards to Ontario research centres.

  Through MIRARCO's research and development program for sustainable mining, Laurentian University will establish two new Research Chairs, one in Ecosystem Management and a second in Mining Technology and Innovation. The project will be managed by MIRARCO and directed by Dr. Peter Kaiser, CEO of Laurentian University's Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation, who stated: "We are proud of the fact that our application was rated first by the funding council and we thank the Honourable Minister Jim Wilson for accepting the recommendation of the Council. This financial support from the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology will move MIRARCO from concept to reality, will focus research at Laurentian University, and will accelerate the development of Northeastern Ontario as an internationally recognized centre for mining innovation."

  As explained by Dr. Geoffrey Tesson, Acting President of Laurentian University: "This program will help Northeastern Ontario to market its mining and technological expertise and commercialize research findings in mining and mineral exploitation. This R&D program will enhance Laurentian's competitive edge in mining technology and ecosystem management, and will solidify partnerships with the private sector, the mining industry and governments. While promoting job creation and encouraging the development of spin-off companies in Northeastern Ontario, the Research and Development Program for Sustainable Mining will help expand Laurentian's resource base, and will provide new facilities and an applied research focus for science and engineering students, and graduate students. No doubt, it will create many jobs and opportunities for our youth."

  For more information, please call Dr. Peter Kaiser, CEO of Laurentian University's Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO), at (705) 673-6517.