Peter Hollings Director – CESME LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY
Can you introduce Lakehead University?
Lakehead University (Lakehead) has two campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario. We are deeply embedded within our communities, and given the importance of the mining industry to the development of communities and the economy of Ontario, we have a strong focus on mining-related research through a network of research centers here in northwestern Ontario.
Lakehead has a strong geology Master’s program, in which most students are industry-focused and sponsored. We are always keen to partner with mining companies when they have research questions. We are collaborating with the likes of Wyloo, Goldshore Resources, Impala Canada, Evolution, STLLR Gold and Wesdome Gold Mines. These partnerships provide a way for students to get industry experience and give the companies access to future skilled workforce. What is the importance of academia and industry partnerships to address Ontario’s talent shortage?
Industry-academia collaboration is extremely important not only to address major industry challenges but also to provide the next generation of mining talent with in-field experience. The majority of our research is industry-focused and supported through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC’s) Alliance grants, which match industry contributions two-for-one, and Mitacs, who emphasize the support of students. Our project, “Finding Ontario's Next Mine - Developing new deposit models to enhance exploration in northern Ontario”, was awarded a C$2 million grant from the Ontario government through the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence Program. This project will allow us to train students, give them in-field experience, and conduct cutting-edge research into the region's mineral deposits.
We are encouraged to see industry mindsets shifting and companies wanting to foster longer-term partnerships to maintain a steady supply of the next generation of geology talent. Collaboratively, academia and industry must work towards overcoming negative stereotypes and educating society as to the importance of mining to the green transition.
Ross Sherlock Director of MERC and Metal Earth, Chair in Exploration Targeting LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY
What are your thoughts on the state of industry-academia collaboration in Canadian mining?
Industry-academia partnerships are crucial for advancing research and development. Our Macassa project, for instance, involves a partnership with Agnico Eagle and is funded through NSERC with a 2:1 matching for every dollar they contribute. This model is highly effective in leveraging industry funds for research, making Canada competitive globally. Additionally, the overhead from these projects goes directly to the university, reducing the financial burden on our research grants. How well do new undergraduates understand the mining sector?
There is a lack of exposure to geology and mining careers at the high school level, despite the fact it is such a significant industry in the Canadian economy. At the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, we reach out to elementary and secondary school students through various initiatives, promoting mining as a viable and rewarding career. Unlike other sciences, such as physics or biology, there is no direct high school pathway into geology. How do you address the talent crunch in the mining sector, particularly in Ontario?
At Laurentian, we face the same challenge as industry in attracting enough graduate students into our research projects. Our projects are often tied to industry and provide excellent opportunities for graduate student development, but recruiting students is not always easy. The issue stems from lower undergraduate enrollments and a shrinking pool of Canadian students with the right background. We do look abroad for students, but this can introduce other barriers, such as tuition costs. Filling the talent gap is a challenge, especially when the pool of Canadian graduate students, with the necessary skills, is limited. Companies may have to recruit professionals internationally from regions like Peru or West Africa. While we hope Canadian students step into these roles, the gap will be filled regardless, and it is unclear whether it will be with Canadian talent.