The future of the Ultra Deep Mining Network (UDMN) is on more solid ground with new funding recently announced.
The Sudbury-based Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation's (CEMI) network received $2.5 million in Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation funding.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle made the announcement, Nov. 1, at the Mining Innovation Summit 2016 in Sudbury.
“The world is rapidly changing before our eyes. We need to be prepared to invest,” said Gravelle. “Those who stand still will be left behind.”
The UDMN is an industry-led research group that works primarily with small and medium-sized enterprises to develop and commercialize technologies that enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability.
Gravelle said networks like the UDMN foster innovation and are crucial to the economic success of the province in an increasingly competitive, and global market.
CEMI president-CEO Douglas Morrison said Jannatec Technologies is one of their biggest members, and illustrates some of the work being done by the network.
The Sudbury-based mining communications company is working on a wearable technology that warns mine workers when large equipment is near.
At the moment, a warning goes to the drivers, and ground workers rely on hearing the loud equipment approach.
However, with the growing popularity of quieter, electric and battery-powered equipment,
Morrison said they are looking ahead for solutions that will ensure the safety of mine workers.
However, Morrison said that some of the participating members are running behind schedule on their projects.
The UDMN has the potential to receive a five-year extension beyond its first round, but Morrison said it’s essential they demonstrate success now.
With the new funding, Morrison said participating companies will find it easier to complete their projects on schedule.
“Industry was struggling, but the province stepped in to fill a gap,” said Morrison.
The network had been federally funded up until now, receiving $15 million from the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) when it launched in 2014. They leveraged this against in-kind donations and cash funding from members to make it a $35-million network.
This is the first provincial funding for the UDMN, although the province has supported other CEMI initiatives.
