May 25, 2009

The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto will build an Innovation Centre for the Canadian Mining Industry with $11 million in infrastructure funding announced today by the federal and provincial governments.

The funding includes $5.5 million each from the federal government and the province. Private donations totalling $9 million will make up the balance of the estimated $20 million cost of construction of the project. The entire investment is expected to create 200 jobs. 

The Centre, part of the Lassonde Institute, will be a focal point for cutting edge research by U of T researchers, undergraduate and graduate students from Mineral and Civil Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.

“The University of Toronto welcomes this investment by the Federal and Provincial Governments,” U of T President David Naylor said today. “The Mining Innovation Centre on our St. George campus will help serve the needs of today’s mining industry and our broader society in two ways: it will uncover new technologies and processes, and it will ensure that the industry can meet higher environmental standards.

“This is an exciting collaboration where the best minds and the leaders in the Canadian mining industry can join forces to promote innovation and sustainability.”

The new Centre will be constructed in previously unused space in the top floor of the Mining Building, which is a prominent 100-year-old heritage building located at 170 College Street. The Centre will house research space for 27 graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. It will feature:

• A laboratory for visualization and data analysis that will include computers and software to facilitate research and collaborative projects with industry;

• An interdisciplinary design studio for 100 undergraduate and graduate students;
• A seminar room;
• Studio space for multi-disciplinary project-based research and learning; and
• A full range of green building features, including roof-top photovoltaic cells, energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, gray water capture and recycling measures.

“The mining sector remains a vital component of Canada’s natural resource strength as it evolves with global economic shifts and environmental innovations,” saidCristina Amon, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. “We are grateful for the support from government and private donations, which will enable U of T Engineering to continue to be at the forefront of mining research and innovation, continuing to build economic prosperity in Canada and around the globe.” 

The Mining Building is home of one of the first U of T lecture theatres and the original home to the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, which recognizes legendary explorers and miners who contributed to the growth and development of the Canadian mining industry. Today, the Mining Building hosts the Undergraduate Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program and the Lassonde Institute for Graduate Research in Engineering Geoscience as well as other Engineering offices.