Diamond drilling was on the mind of the provincial government with two funding announcements for a North Bay mining supplier and training at two Northern colleges.
Foraco Canada is getting a $1 million loan from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to buy new diamond drilling equipment and accessories to expand its services to meet future needs. The company provides surface drilling services to exploration companies and currently employs 100 people.
A Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) release said Foraco International S.A. chose to locate in North Bay to take advantage of the strength of the local mining supply industry and the city's transportation infrastructure and its proximity to exploration activity in Northern Ontario and Quebec.
In a statement, North Bay MPP Monique Smith was pleased that a major international company understands the advantages of being in North Bay.
"The jobs that Foraco brings to our community are incredibly important and the province is delighted to be able to support them with their investment in our area."
Northern College in Kirkland Lake and Confederation College in Geraldton are receiving $436,200 to upgrade their diamond drilling training programs.
The project is expected to create 10 jobs at the two colleges.
An MNDM release said young people launching their careers and workers seeking job retraining will benefit from enhanced programming at the schools. The colleges are partners in the delivery of this program.
The money is earmarked for purchasing equipment and diamond drills, as well as construct buildings to house machinery. The program curriculum will also be upgraded.
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