Lakehead University's Thunder Bay Campus (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)

Lakehead University has received $2,000,000 to develop novel models for mining industry partners to help them find new mineral deposits for potential mine development in northern Ontario.

Ontario is a significant producer of critical minerals including nickel and cobalt and is home to several advanced lithium and graphite development projects.

Other critical minerals that have either been produced in the province or that occur in deposits include barite, chromite, fluorspar, magnesium, molybdenum, niobium, phosphate and tungsten. These minerals are a key ingredient in the creation of stainless steel and other important building materials.

This funding came as a part of a $278 million provincial investment in research projects at universities, colleges, research institutes and research hospitals across the province. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Research Fund and the Early Researcher Awards and supports researchers in making discoveries that help advance the development of innovative new products and technologies.

“By investing in cutting-edge research, we are safeguarding Ontario’s position at the forefront of innovation that continues to be competitive on a global scale and has the ability to attract the best and brightest talent to our province,” said the Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop. “This will help ensure the social and economic opportunities that result from discoveries made in Ontario benefit Ontarians and the Ontario economy.”

The funding is supporting 406 research projects across the province, helping institutions attract and retain top research talent while covering the costs of research operations and infrastructure, including building, renovating and equipping research facilities with laboratories and the latest technology.