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Heritage Fund spreads the love at PDAC

Mining supply companies cash in to develop next-gen technology
Foraco North Bay
Foraco Canada in North Bay received innovation funding at PDAC.

Four northeastern Ontario mining suppliers received a combined $700,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) on the opening day of the Ontario Pavilion at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association Convention (PDAC) in Toronto, March 5.

Three North Bay companies and one Sudbury supplier fielded funds for proprietary equipment development and testing projects.

Drillco Mining and Exploration landed $250,000 to be directed toward a prototype of its MDS1 next generation Modular Drilling System, capable of drilling three common platforms for underground, surface and fly-in operations.

Nordic Minesteel Technologies pocketed $250,000 for the prototype of its Speed Lifter, which can lift and secure a 400-ton truck in less than two minutes.

Foraco Canada received nearly $200,000 for its self-propelled Mobile F36 Skid Steer, a “first-of-its-kind” long-hole drill prototype used underground which will increase productivity, efficiencies, and safety of long-hole drilling operations.

Sudbury’s RDH Mining Equipment is using its $200,000 for a small, one-cubic-metre, load-haul-dump machine, designed to open up the narrow-vein market for the company and serve as a frame design for future powertrain development.

“Industry breakthroughs and new technologies like these continue to strengthen the province’s position as a global leader in mining and mineral development,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, the chair of NOHFC, in a statement.

“From world-class mineral production and a cutting-edge mining supply and services sector to the TSX’s position as the global mining finance capital, Ontario is certainly positioned to maintain its well-earned reputation as one of the best places for the mining industry to invest,” said Chris Hodgson, president of the Ontario Mining Association.