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Mining supercluster denied funding

Proposal aimed to improve innovation, environmental sustainability in industry
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A proposed “supercluster” for mining has been denied funding by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Dubbed CLEER (Clean, Low-Energy, Effective, Engaged and Remediated), the supercluster proposal was led by a number of mining industry innovators, including the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) in Sudbury.

It proposed addressing existing challenges associated with Canada’s mining sector, including improving environmental outcomes, increasing productivity, and positioning Canada as a leader in mining and clean-tech solutions.

Projects under the supercluster were developed to employ the latest technologies and innovations to tackle challenges of water use, energy intensity and environmental footprint, with aggressive targets of a 50 per cent reduction in each area by 2027.

“We thank Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for considering the CLEER proposal and are honoured to have been a finalist. While we are disappointed with the final outcome, we remain optimistic, firmly committed to mining innovation and working towards building up this significant initiative,” said Adrian McFadden, chair of the CLEER interim board, in a news release.

“The process of developing the CLEER initiative was a turning point for our sector. It sparked an enthusiastic response from Canada’s mining and mining supply industries and involved an unprecedented level of collaboration on innovation in our sector.”

CLEER was one of nine proposals to be shortlisted. The five successful supercluster proposals will have access to $950 million in funding.

They are: ocean supercluster (Atlantic Canada), AI-powered supply chains supercluster (Quebec), advanced manufacturing supercluster (Ontario), digital technology supercluster (B.C.), and protein innovations supercluster (Saskatchewan).

Despite not having been chosen for funding consideration, CLEER said it “remains committed to transforming Canada’s mining industry through innovation.”