Historical Companies, Modern Opportunities
Combining rich tradition with modern solutions
Mining in Ontario dates back centuries to the First Nations, who originally occupied the land, and the subsequent generations of settlers in the province, with the Marmora Iron Works being established in 1820. Over the years, Canada, in particular Ontario, has led the way in manufacturing mining equipment and being at the cutting edge of contemporary innovations. Many historic equipment providers have stood the test of time and continue thriving to this day, in some cases after a century of operations in the heartland province. These companies strive to innovate and evolve, keeping pace with the modern standards that companies need to run successful, safe and environmentally responsible projects.
For example, the TAKRAF Group has roots stretching back to 1725. After establishing its brand in the oil sands market, today the company manufactures semi-mobile crushing plants and large-capacity conveyors. To keep up with the natural fluctuations of mining, the company is altering the way it operates. “A project-based business model can create periods of intense activity followed by quieter times, making it hard to maintain steady revenue and keep a consistent team. To counter this, we have focused on building a more stable revenue stream by expanding our service offerings and aftermarket support,” said Aidan Mitchell, president of TAKRAF Group Canada.
Epiroc, an OEM founded in Sweden in 1873, has recently conducted a string of acquisitions in Canada, including Meglab, RCT, Fordia and 3D-P. According to Andre Bertrand, former acting general manager of Epiroc Canada: “This strategic shift aims to position Epiroc as a leader in digital technology and electrification within the mining industry, creating new global divisions designed for market integration in Canada. We are developing automated bit changers utilizing the longer-lasting Powerbit X diamond bit, which will facilitate uninterrupted autonomous long-hole drilling.
This innovation in automation allows personnel to operate remotely from an office.” It may be a company with historical ties to Europe, but Epiroc is showing its faith in Ontario’s mining industry, acquiring companies as it looks to secure its future as a leader in the province. “Canada is fortunate to have a robust mining industry with abundant resources. Additionally, the emergence of the battery revolution is driving demand for new products, aligning well with Canada’s rich resource base,” continued Bertrand.
NETZSCH is a 150-year-old family-owned German company that expanded into Ontario with their brand NETZSCH Pumps & Systems Canada in 2010, offering Progressing Cavity Pumps, Rotary Lobe Pumps, Peristaltic Pumps, Multiple Screw Pumps, Grinders and Macerators to the mining sector. In 2025, the company is looking to increase its footprint in Canada, taking advantage of industry trends and strong commodity markets. “Our focus for 2025 spans multiple regions and commodities, with significant activity in Ontario’s gold, copper and nickel sectors, ongoing investments in Québec, and promising potential in BC. Many mining activities across Canada are either new developments or expansions, with clients aiming to improve processes, reduce downtime and enhance the total cost of ownership,” explained Jason Balcerczyk, president of NETZSCH Pumps & Systems Canada.
For over 140 years, FLS has been aiding companies with full flowsheet technology, expanding into a global manufacturing company from local roots. John Davidson, VP, head of capital sales North America, highlighted: “We have realigned our strategy to concentrate on our core competencies and proprietary equipment and additionally focus on our client-centric services. This approach helps us operate more efficiently and strengthens our position in the industry.”
“During market downturns, like the collapse of the supercycle and the Covid pandemic, we realized the need to diversify beyond large-scale projects. While these big projects provide long-term stability, they also expose us to risk during downturns.”
Aidan Mitchell, President, TAKRAF Group Canada
As Ontario’s gold producers continue to find success, multinational companies such as FLS are increasingly attracted to the province as it provides reliable and profitable relationships for them. Davidson continued: “FLS has played a key role in all of the prominent new mining projects in Ontario, providing capital equipment to all of the recently commissioned gold projects and supporting their ramp-up to nameplate production.”
Manufacturing companies are also looking beyond their products to change the face of mining. Dräger introduced one of the first closed-circuit mine rescue apparatus in the US in the early 20th century. Now, the company is investing in new initiatives to promote a diverse future for the mining industry. “Through sponsorship and active participation, Dräger helps develop student programs that equip future mining engineers and managers with practical experience and certifications, enhancing their readiness to address industry challenges. Additionally, Dräger supports diverse initiatives such as the ‘Diamonds in the Rough’ program, an all-female mine rescue team that competes internationally,” explained Kent Armstrong, global business development manager, segment mining for Dräger.
As Ontario continues to lead the way in mine safety, it is bolstering its position as a tier-one jurisdiction and enhancing its appeal to global manufacturers. “There has been a dramatic improvement in mining safety, particularly in regions such as Ontario, where the mining industry has worked very hard to reduce or eliminate lost-time injuries and fatalities. Other industrial activities now report more injuries per man-hour worked than mining,” continued Armstrong, showing how Ontario’s safety record makes it more desirable not only for investors but for companies looking to enter the Canadian and North American markets.
Another company adapting to the modern modes of mining is Haver & Boecker Niagara, which has had a presence in Ontario since 1930. The company produces processing and sieving equipment for the industry, including the new generation F-Class vibrating screen that has adapted to wider industry trends, particularly for companies looking to save on capital and prevent unplanned downtime. “We are particularly focused on developing predictive and preventative maintenance technologies for vibrating screens and related equipment,” said Karen Thompson, the company’s president.
By focusing on the need for longer-lasting equipment Haver & Boecker Niagara alleviates some of the pressure on mining companies caused by the talent drought by allowing them to train technicians on equipment they have experience in operating.
HF Sinclair began as the Holly Corporation in 1947 and acquired the Petro-Canada Lubricants brand in 2017. The company has noticed a rise in demand for renewable products and services. “We are seeing a growing demand for environmentally friendly products, such as renewable diesel, as our clients increasingly seek solutions that improve uptime, reduce operational costs and support their sustainability goals,” said Matthew Joyce, corporate senior VP and president, lubricants & specialties at HF Sinclair. “The customer trial for PRODURO TO4+ UHP showed great results, with increased equipment life and cost savings. This success highlighted how we can deliver sustainable solutions using hydrocarbon-based technologies, reducing waste in the long term,” he continued.
M&A activity has been on the rise in mining over recent years, and that is not limited to producers and juniors. Pilot & Co. was formed by a partnership of Pilot Diamond Tools, Premier Mining Products and Drillware Tools, uniting three established brands in the Ontario market. “Our flagship brand, Pilot Diamond Tools, boasts a legacy of 55 years of bringing optimal performance and productivity to the market,” said Hélène Coulombe, VP sales and marketing.
To keep up with modern standards, these brands are expanding and bettering their product range, to ensure efficiency and safety are at the heart of modern mining. “We are developing innovative in-the-hole solutions. For instance, we recently developed a multi-use plug that you can install through the diamond bit, eliminating unnecessary drill rod removal as was traditionally done,” explained Pilot & Co.’s president Renzo Silveri.
“Our original focus was on the North American market. This created challenges due to the seasonality of exploration activities in the region, and with the aim to keep our manufacturing plants busy all year round, we embarked on a journey to find seasonal operations counter to ours.”
Renzo Silveri, President, Pilot & Co.
Sudbury OEM B&D Manufacturing fabricates mining equipment maintenance products for both open-pit and underground mines. The company began in 1980 and is constantly focused on R&D to keep pace with modern standards and procedures. “We have seen growth across our product line, from our original portable line-boring machine, which has been in production for 45 years, to our EJ200 Evolution Jack and our Multi-Handler. Sales are increasing year-on-year due to growing safety concerns in mining. There is a movement away from a single-cylinder jack toward our remote-control option because of safety and efficiency,” said general manager Tom Di Francesco.
Ontario has often been at the forefront of innovation right across the value chain, from OEMs such as Epiroc and B&D manufacturing to surveying companies helping to discover and give a better understanding of deposits. Quantec Geoscience began life in Timmins in 1986 and, in 2000, had a technical breakthrough pioneering the transition from analog to digital recording systems. Oliver Kuhn, president and CEO, noted: “Generally speaking, the big scientific breakthroughs have been achieved, and so a lot of our R&D focuses on incremental improvements, which add up over the years to significant advances.”
Today, Quantec Geoscience uses its TITAN, ORION 3D and SPARTAN MT to provide omnidirectional measurements of the subsurface in 1D, 2D and 3D to help companies gain a better understanding of geology, structure, and mineral systems.
Ionic Technology Group recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary and demonstrates the adaptations Ontario companies are making to meet market demand. Christina Visser, CEO, has noticed three recent trends in demand for their services. “First is the rise in demand for improved safety systems, especially our safety-rated truck loading systems. Second, there has been an increase in uranium drumming due to the rising interest in the metal. Lastly, there is significant interest in our new tools designed to enhance safety by removing people from dangerous workspaces.”
Made up of several companies, the group manufactures copper stripping systems and uranium drumming systems through Ionic Mechatronics, supplies underground truck loading systems globally with Variant Mining Technologies, and focuses on tank house ventilation and environmental improvements in challenging environments thanks to the acquisition of Desom.
These innovators demonstrate how Ontario’s mining industry is constantly competing to be at the cutting edge of mining technology. By combining a wealth of knowledge and tradition with innovative R&D and new technologies, equipment providers are converting their established bases in the province into future success.
Article header image courtesy of IAMGOLD