Ontario government invests over $10.5M in northern mining industry

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund helps mining supply companies. (Ontario Northern Development and Mines/Twitter)

Sudbury — Dozens of companies across the north that supply products and services to the mining industry are getting significant funding from the provincial government.

On Tuesday, Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, announced investments made through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund that adds up to over $10.5 million.

"Promoting business expansion and the development of new technologies ensures a competitive and innovative mining sector in Ontario," said Rickford. "Together with our partners, we are bringing good jobs and investment to the province and sending a signal to the world that Ontario is open for business, including the north."

Officials say this funding will help create or retain over 180 jobs.

Government officials say the following projects will be 100% grant funded:

The following projects will receive 40 per cent grant and 60 per cent loan from the government:

This project will receive 30 per cent grant and 70 per cent loan from the government:

Here is the remaining businesses benefitting from the announcement, but not grant/loan breakdown was provided by the government:

Sudbury-based mining technology developer SHYFTinc will also receive an additional $900,000 from the province so the company can develop an innovative inventory management system that will make freight delivery to open-pit and underground mines safer and more efficient.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, made the announcement Tuesday at the Prospector & Developers Annual Conference in downtown Toronto.

"Our government has a plan to create a more competitive landscape where businesses and job-creators can flourish," said Fedeli. "This new partnership with SHYFTinc is a great example of the role government can play to create new opportunities for investment and economic development in northern Ontario."

The new technology will create a streamlined delivery system on an industrial level that will track, deliver, and manage material movement in real-time, and seamlessly link to mine planning and inventory controls.

The money from the province will also impact additional partners, including Cementation Canada, BESTECH and NORCAT.

"We are proud to support job creators and innovators in Ontario's mining sector," said Minister Rickford. "Today's announcement with SHYFTinc is another example of how our government is investing in the technology of tomorrow that positions Ontario as a global leader in mineral exploration and production."