Developing the ‘Sudbury [Mining] Advantage’ – by Carol Mulligan (Sudbury Star – February 19, 2016)

http://www.thesudburystar.com/

Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Reza Moridi will attend an announcement Friday about the launch of a Laurentian University initiative to capitalize on what organizers are calling “the Sudbury Advantage.”

Laurentian Mining, Innovation and Technology is a single-access pathway to tap into the expertise in mining that abounds in Sudbury.

The umbrella organization will co-ordinate and promote research being done at MERC (Mining Exploration Research Centre), Vale Living with Lakes, CROSH (Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health) and MIRARCO Mining Innovation.

The initiative will advance Laurentian’s desire to become a global leader in mineral exploration, education, and mining research and education.

Vic Pakalnis is president and chief executive officer of MIRARCO, a not-for-profit applied research and technical service company that delivers high-quality research and innovative solutions to the mining industry. It also acts as a bridge between research and industry.

Pakalnis is also associate vice-president of Laurentian Mining, Innovation and Technology, which has been in the planning since summer.

Laurentian Mining, Innovation and Technology will present a united front to industry and government partners, and co-ordinate external relationships related to mining.

It is expected to create new excitement and momentum, and generate new research opportunities within a stronger and better-focused profile for Laurentian research activity.

Ultimately, the goal of the initiative is to make the mining industry safer, more productive and more sustainable.

Pakalnis, who used to teach at Queen’s University and is a former chief mining engineer for Ontario, said he and some of the organizations are already working on agreements with the largest mining university in China.

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