Research and Event News: Government Support for Innovation in the Mining Industry

In June, the Canada Economic Development agency awarded $4.5 million to Corem, a consortium of applied research for the treatment and transformation of mineral substances. The research project consists of three parts: improving process efficiency through on-line analysis of the chemical and physical parameters of various mineral substances, improving the energy efficiency of the baking process of iron-ore pellets, and, lastly, improving the performance of metallurgical processes, all within the context of sustainable development. It will be carried out alongside Corem’s regular activities.

The project, whose total cost amounts to over $7.5 million, will enable the creation of some 15 to 20 high-skilled jobs and the preservation of more than 75 existing jobs. “Given that its aim is essentially to enhance process efficiency, this project will have an impact on the profitability of the entire Quebec mining industry,” said Guy St-Julien, federal Member of Parliament for Abitibi-James Bay-Nunavik.