Four innovative North Bay mining supply and service firms are the beneficiaries of more than $2.3 million in provincial funding.
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli delivered the news and the goods from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund in North Bay, Dec.19.
Foraco Canada was the big winner. The Seymour Street drilling services company will employ the $1.4 million it received to purchase tools and equipment to expand the business by opening new underground core and percussive drilling divisions.
Paige Engineering received $337,164 to carry on with its work of designing and developing remote commercial explosive loading technology for the mining and construction industries.
Drillco Mining and Exploration, a builder of modular drilling systems, landed $250,000, which is earmarked for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of a modular mast system that is transportable for use in surface and underground operations.
SafeSight Exploration will use the $200,000 it received to purchase unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and modify them for use in underground mines.
According to a government news release, 46 full-time jobs and two part-time jobs are being created.
“These investments in Ontario’s Northern mining supply and service industry are making the mining sector in the Nipissing area more competitive,” said Fedeli in a statement.
Fedeli also announced more than $120,000 in funding for internship positions with the North Bay General Hospital Foundation, Yes Employment Services, Nipissing District Developmental Screen, and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario.
