The National Research Council (NRC) is launching a new co-investment program to help companies economically exploit remote natural resources and lower grade ore. The High Efficiency Mining (HEM) R&D program is seeking firms throughout the mining supply chain that require new technologies to increase production at lower cost.

With funding of $15.5 million over six years, HEM is expected to leverage $36 million from industry and other government departments by drawing on multidisciplinary expertise in Boucherville QC, Ottawa and Vancouver. It's the third large-scale research program launched through NRC's Energy, Mining and Environment portfolio, joining the Bioenergy Systems for Viable Stationary Applications and Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization research programs. The programs aims to use a systems engineering approach to raise the innovation capabilities of firms by:

* de-risking integration and optimizing processes;

* reduce operating costs and disruption;

* increasing durability, productivity and energy efficiency;

* increasing the viability of low grade ores and deeper deposits;

* strengthening domestic supply chains; and,

* reducing vulnerability to commodity market cycles.

The program has two main thrusts. The first is to optimize mining processes through the improvement of real-time monitoring and sequestration technologies to increase energy efficiency and production. Predictive modelling and techno-economic and system analysis will also be employed.

Materials wear and corrosion consortium

The program also offers improvements in equipment durability and to that end it is forming a Mining Materials Wear and Corrosion Consortium to connect material and equipment suppliers with mining companies and oil sands producers. The aim of the consortium is to engage firms in precompetitive cost containment projects by focusing the immediate operational needs of companies in the field. It targets the mining, oil and gas sectors as well as firms that develop wear-resistant materials and manufacturers.

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