Thunder Bay, Ont. – The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) are investing more than $1.4 million to strengthen mining and mineral exploration research at Lakehead University.

Through a $1 million investment from the NOHFC, Lakehead University will establish a five-year Lakehead University–NOHFC Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration. An additional $440,948 investment from FedNor will support infrastructure for a new state-of-the-art microanalytical research lab, enhancing the university’s capacity to support sustainable mineral exploration in northern Ontario. This project unites industry expertise, government support, and academic excellence to solidify the region’s competitive advantage in mining research and innovation. 

“Mining is foundational to the economy of northwestern Ontario,” stated Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “Today’s investment from the NOHFC and FedNor strengthens not only the industry, but the people, communities and economies that depend on these raw materials. This strategic investment in Lakehead’s unmatched expertise doesn’t just support discovery, it strengthens Canada’s position as a world leader in responsible mining innovation.”

Dr. Peter Hollings, Professor and Chair of the Department of Geology, will hold the five-year Lakehead University-NOHFC Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration. Dr. Hollings and his team will work with Kinross Gold Corporation to better understand the gold resources at their Great Bear Project near Red Lake while also finding new, economically viable mineral deposits to support the development of new mines.

“Ontario is proud to help fund the groundbreaking mineral exploration research taking place at Lakehead University,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This $1‑million investment through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation demonstrates our government’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation in the north. By supporting the five-year Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration position, this partnership strengthens our mining sector, develops skilled talent, and fuels long‑term economic growth across the region.”

Dr. Hollings’ research program will also focus on developing new tools that can be applied by the Canadian mining industry to identify new gold deposits and create efficient exploration strategies, helping reduce the time and capital costs of discovering mineral resources. The results will lead to new understanding of gold mineralization that can be applied across northern Ontario and Canada.

“When we invest in natural resource development we invest in northern Ontario’s economy and Canada’s future,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor. “As northern Ontario is laying the groundwork for strong and resilient communities, investing in cutting-edge research and innovation helps us remain global leaders who maintain a position at the head of the table by staying smart and adaptable. This project will define the future of mining research, support our industry experts, and ensure our regions stay competitive for generations to come.”

In addition to advancing industry innovation, this funding will play a critical role in developing the skilled workforce needed to sustain and grow the sector. The new research chair will support five new graduate student positions, two postdoctoral fellows, and 15 fieldwork assistants over the next five years. Kinross Gold Corporation is contributing $500,000 in funding to support the training of these highly qualified personnel, along with materials, fieldwork, and travel costs. Lakehead University is providing an additional $559,000 to support the research chair.

“Ontario researchers are unlocking the potential of critical mineral development and further cementing our province as a global mining epicentre,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “With a new research chair, Lakehead University will continue making groundbreaking discoveries in this booming sector, keeping Ontario on the cutting edge of mining innovation.”

Quotes

“Mining is a driving force behind northwestern Ontario’s economy, creating good jobs and supporting communities across our region. By investing in research at Lakehead University, we are strengthening mineral exploration, advancing responsible development, and ensuring our region remains competitive in critical minerals. This partnership will help secure long-term growth while training the next generation of skilled professionals right here in the north.”

– The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay - Atikokan 

“We believe the Great Bear project has the potential to create a lasting legacy in northwestern Ontario. We are pleased to have signed this 5-year partnership with a value of C$500,000 to support the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) Industrial Research Chair Program focused on mineral exploration and critical minerals processing research. The research is expected to support exploration efforts at the Great Bear site, with a focus on key Indigenous areas of input. We are confident that high quality scientific research conducted through this partnership will continue to strengthen our understanding of the project and ultimately support efforts to improve quality of life for communities in northwestern Ontario” 

– Eric Lamontagne, Senior Advisor, Canada Projects, Kinross Gold

“This joint investment reinforces Lakehead University’s commitment to academic excellence and the training of highly skilled professionals. Our focus on local innovation partnerships continues to drive regional job creation and economic growth. Dr. Hollings’ leadership as the Lakehead University-NOHFC Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration ensures the next generation of geologists will gain invaluable hands-on experience and industry-ready skills.”

 – Dr. Langis Roy, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Lakehead University