R&D can help mining reach full potential

By Indira Singh

A widely held public perception is that mining is “a sunset industry” that has no place in the knowledge-based economy. But this tried-and-true wealth-generating engine has fueled Ontario’s economy for over a century and stands poised to flourish in the 21st century’s new economy. The mineral industry is resource-rich and has only scratched the surface of the possible advancements which R&D can help make possible.

With strong links to other industries, such as high-tech medical, space and military fields, and as a user and supplier of technology, the mineral industry is a driving force in the knowledge-based economy.

Technological advances through increased R&D will strategically position the mineral industry to deploy processes and produce products that provide greater utility at lower costs and lower energy consumption. R&D will also help to minimize adverse environmental, and health and safety effects, providing enormous benefits to Northern communities whose livelihoods depend on the ustainability of natural resource extraction and processing.

R&D play critical roles in pioneering improvements in virtually all mining activities from extraction practices to developing cutting-edge products and services. From 1997 to 2001, productivity in the Ontario mining sector rose by almost 25%. In 2002, R&D expenditures in Canada related to mining totaled $320 million.

The mineral industry has many strong cross-sector partnerships in research including governments, universities and private sector companies in areas like automated drilling and heavy equipment, rechargeable batteries, specialty mineral powders and coatings, galvanized metals for automotive and construction applications, diesel emissions, reduced air emissions and aquatic systems enhancement.

The Government of Ontario recognizes the economic and strategic importance of its minerals and metals and their potential to create sustainable growth for communities in northern Ontario. It recently created the Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council (OMICC) in November, 2003 with a mandate to lever mineral industry assets to create a larger and more globally competitive cluster of mineral and related industries and organizations in Ontario.

Sudbury is the world’s largest cluster of mineral exploration, research, mining technology and mining supply and services. It is the largest and most significant mining camp and a centre of hard rock mining expertise.

Nearby Laurentian University is recognized for education and research in all areas of the mining industry from exploration to mine restoration. It has a significant research capacity including 10 mining-related research centres and institutions and five research chairs in mining-related fields. A $12-15 million international continental scientific drilling project is presently being planned in Sudbury. Engineers at Cambrian College and NORCAT Corp are designing a lightweight robotic drill to accompany future NASA space missions to Mars.

Other examples of applied research providing substantial value to mining operations are plentiful in the Sudbury cluster. Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corp (MIRARCO) designed and manages Laurentian’s $1.25-million Virtual Reality Laboratory (VRL), to meet the needs of the world’s mining and mineral exploration. The university teamed up with Gold Corp Inc and Placer Dome Canada to establish the world’s first VRL in an active mining camp. It offers high-end projection and viewing technologies, using a large screen immersive 3-D format to transform huge amounts of data into meaningful information.

The Sustainable Mining and Remediation Technologies (SMART) Project is an initiative undertaken by the environment group of Natural Resources Canada’s CANMET Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories (MMSL). Scientists in the areas of mine effluents, mine waste management, metals and the environment will develop solutions to address environmental issues for the mining industry. As well, advances in mining technology are being made in robotics, sophisticated telecommunications, positioning and navigation systems, software integration and the use of electronics in harsh environments.

The mineral industry is working with government to improve practices, but also the environment. Canada is the recognized leader in R&D on acidic drainage. Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) identified the state of science and research activities from a global perspective and explored needs and opportunities to reduce liability due to acidic drainage. Mining companies and provincial and federal departments have reduced acidic drainage liability by $400 million.

MORE R&D NEEDED

Government and the mineral industry must increase investment in R&D in order to stay competitive in the global economy. There is a tremendous demand for mineral and metal commodities created by the rapid industrialization of China, India and other less developed countries. Metals recycling has the potential to create environmental, social and economic benefits. Tremendous opportunities exist for technology crossovers within companies, across the mineral industry, and more importantly, with non-mining sectors. Potential applications of bio-technology to mining and processing are plentiful.

The longer-term application of the Kyoto Protocol offers myriad possibilities for the industry to innovate. As well, mining R&D opportunities lie in the areas of commercialization of new technologies and lightweight materials, recycling, closed loop processes, process engineering, bio-product synergy, and applications of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology. Exploiting untapped mineral deposits also requires more R&D investment.

RAND Corp reports that opportunities for technology and know-how crossovers arise from the similarities in technology needs, applications and the working environment. Such is the situation between the mining and military sectors. Each sector offers expertise that can benefit the other. Both operate in a limited market for technology and a reliance on robust mechanical and electronic hardware that can withstand harsh operating conditions and the operational and logistical challenges of a remote, variable and unpredictable working environments.

Indira Singh is director, executive projects office with the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. She is also executive director, Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council.