SUDBURY, ON (FEBRUARY 19, 2016) – Laurentian University has announced the establishment of a new mining innovation and technology research initiative, LMIT, which will synchronize and optimize research and innovation activities in all aspects of mining and mineral exploration at Laurentian University.
The new initiative, Laurentian Mining Innovation and Technology (LMIT), will coordinate and promote all mining-related research conducted at Laurentian’s award-winning research centres, including the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), the Vale Living with Lakes Centre (VLWLC) and the Mining Innovation Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO).
Laurentian University already ranks first in Canada in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in Economic Geology, first in Canada in NSERC funding in Applied Geophysics and first in Ontario in NSERC funding in Mining and Mineral Processing. A second prestigious Canada Research Chair was created in 2013 at VLWLC, while a Research Chair in Occupational Safety and Health was established at CROSH in 2015.
Laurentian University now offers a one-stop approach to its mining and mineral exploration research, which is unified under LMIT. This integration and synchronization will help to generate new opportunities for mining-related research, while coordinating Laurentian’s relationships with external partners in mining research and innovation.
President and CEO of MIRARCO, Mr. Vic Pakalnis has been appointed Associate Vice-President of LMIT. “We are sharpening our focus on mining research while solidifying Laurentian’s position as the pre-eminent mining research leader in Canada,” said Pakalnis.
The Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities applauded the initiative, “Our government supports and encourages innovative research collaborations at Ontario’s post-secondary institutions, and Laurentian University has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the creation of Laurentian Mining Innovation and Technology,” said Minister Moridi. “This initiative will drive research and innovation in the field of mineral development and mining and will help grow Ontario’s knowledge-based economy.”
“The outstanding talent and vision of Laurentian’s research teams and this strategically prioritized approach have positioned Laurentian as a global leader in mineral exploration and mining research and innovation. We are excited by the prospect of LMIT augmenting the excellence of our mining research,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University. “The establishment of LMIT will also allow Laurentian to more effectively work with our community and industry partners to align with the recently renewed Ontario Mineral Development Strategy (2015).”
To view Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan click the link below
Vic Pakanis Biography
Vic Pakalnis, P.Eng is a mining engineer, a graduate of McGill University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mining Engineering and an MBA from Queen’s University. He has worked in the mining industry, government and academe. He was the Chief Mining Engineer for the province of Ontario, held a number of senior positions at the Ministry of Labour, and was awarded the highest honor within the Ontario Public Service: the Amethyst Award. He taught in the MPA program at Queen’s University and was the Kinross Professor in Mining and Sustainability in the Buchan Department of Mining engineering – he was instrumental in establishing the Aboriginal Access to Engineering program at Queen’s. He joined Laurentian University in July 2012 as President and CEO of MIRARCO Mining Innovation.
About Laurentian University
Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates. With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $100 million in research income in the past five years.
For more information on Laurentian University visit www.laurentian.ca