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Mining companies team up for technology challenge

Goldcorp and Integra Gold are sponsoring the Disrupt Mining contest, which challenges innovators to find new approaches to mining and comes with a prize of up to $1 million.
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An overview of Goldcorp’s mine property in Timmins. File photo

Goldcorp and Integra Gold are partnering up to sponsor the Disrupt Mining contest, which challenges innovators to find new approaches to mining.

The contest will culminate in a Dragons’ Den-type event in front of a live audience and a panel of industry executives. It will take place during the 2017 conference of the Prospectors and Developers Association (PDAC) in Toronto on March 5.

The winner can earn an investment of up to $1 million for a proof of concept at one of Goldcorp’s mines, or investment in the winning technologies. Proceeds from the event will be donated to charities in which the mining companies operate, and used to create scholarships “designed to spur innovation in mining,” the companies said in a release.

"The mining industry is overdue for radical, disruptive innovation that drives value, enhances safe production and performance across every aspect of our business, from exploration through to reclamation and closure," said Todd White, Goldcorp’s senior vice-president of technical services and business excellence and a board member of the Canadian Mining Innovation Council.

“As an industry, we must collaborate to spur investment and accelerate the pace of innovation in order to stay competitive and deliver greater value to shareholders,” he added.

“Efficient, socially and environmentally responsible operations that deliver value for all of our stakeholders are simply good business and this event is designed as a catalyst to make that happen faster."

Last year, Integra challenged innovators to use data gleaned from their property in Val d’Or, Que., to find the next big gold discovery.

"Together with Goldcorp and other mining and technology partners, Disrupt Mining will break down barriers and present innovative technologies set to radically disrupt exploration and mining in the years to come,” said Stephen de Jong, Integra’s president and CEO.

Innovators have until Jan. 18 to pitch their ideas. More information is available at www.disruptmining.com.