Education News (January 01, 2002)

Robotics and Mine Automation Chair for Laurentian

A mining professor at Laurentian University was one of the 97 Canadian researchers to receive new Canada Research Chairs, funded by the Government of Canada. Dr. Greg Baiden, engineering professor, is the recipient of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. With this funding, Laurentian University will establish a Chair in Robotics and Mine Automation. This chair is valued at $200,000 per year for a period of seven years.

The former head of mines research at Inco Ltd., Baiden has dedicated his career to building and managing research initiatives in mining automation and invented the world’s first teleremotely operated mining machines. As Chair, Baiden’s work will centre primarily on creating tele-operated robots to mine and process ore, as well as develop mineral economics and operations strategies for these technologies. Over time, this will include space mining, environmental clean-up and underwater applications.

His promising solutions will ensure a safe, profitable and growing industry in mineral production for Canada and lay the groundwork for a vibrant technology- and knowledge-based mining sector that reinforces Canada’s international leadership in this emerging field.