Sudbury's NORCAT innovation centre is developing a new program to train underground mine workers in the operation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The project was outlined during a funding announcement by Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe on Oct. 21.
NORCAT will receive $225,000 from the federal government's Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, which will be used to develop training initiatives including underground demonstrations, curriculum development and deployment, and hands-on experiential training.
“Supporting organizations like NORCAT is important to both our mining companies and workers,” Lapointe said in a news release.
“This funding will help ensure that workers are well trained and well equipped with the skills needed to safely utilize BEV equipment.”
Brandan Vance, a senior consultant with NORCAT's Advisory division, said the project came about after “extensive development and collaboration, aimed at creating a comprehensive training program that truly empowers the mining industry.”
“By developing and deploying a hands-on, experiential training module that includes real-world use of battery electric vehicles in an operating underground mine, we're giving miners and companies the tools they need to confidently transition to zero-emission technology,” Brandan said in a government news release.
“This is a meaningful step toward improving the respiratory health of miners, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a more sustainable mining industry for generations to come."
The funding comes following the 2024 Conference of Mining Regions and Cities, hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Sudbury, Oct. 8 to 11.
SEE: Global delegates converge on Sudbury to chart a path forward in mining
There, the federal government announced more funding for mining projects in the region.
That includes $150,000 in FedNor money for a case study that will review mining-related regulatory policy and make recommendations for improvement for the federal and provincial governments.
In addition, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced $11 million for five Sudbury-area mining projects, along with $14 million for critical minerals-related projects in northwestern Ontario.
