Over the last six years, I have had the opportunity to engage with at least a hundred small and medium sized companies in Northern Ontario that, in my opinion, are the unheralded champions of economic growth in Northern Ontario. By tackling the difficult task of seeking customers for their innovative products and services outside of Northern Ontario, these entrepreneurs and their dedicated teams of marketing, sales and operations professionals are laying the foundation for business expansion and new jobs. This entrepreneurial spirit was on display in spades at the recent Northern Ontario Exports Forum held in Sudbury June 22nd.
As part of the Northern Ontario Exports Program, more than 100 companies and 180 participants packed the Holiday Inn to learn, engage and exchange information on mining projects and opportunities throughout the world. Delivered by Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation and supported by FedNor and NOHFC, the forum drew delegates from across Northern Ontario.
Two consistent themes highlighted the presentations and discussions. One was the connection between successful innovation and growth in export markets. The second was the clear understanding of the tsunami of innovation to engulf the mining sector over the next decade through automation, digitization, continuous mining and clean technologies.
The hard work of testing and proving new technologies often begins at home, so our opening plenary speaker, Don Duval, CEO of NORCAT, set the tone by outlining the importance of NORCAT’s Fecunis underground test mine. Forum chair, Tom Palangio, president of WipWare and SAMSSA, echoed the importance of public/private sector collaboration in advancing home grown innovation.
Roy Slack, president of Cementation, outlined the importance for Northern Ontario firms working globally to ensure a ‘best for project’ flexible service model approach for each client with uncompromising attention to safety, ethical business practices, risk management, and strong working partnerships.
Rick Howes, president and CEO of Dundee Precious Metals, provided a crystal clear view of how digital transformation heralds a new age of mining characterized by real time decision making, complete transparency of the operation from the boardroom to the mine face, and advanced data analytics combined with (IoT) internet of things to bring into view the entire mining operation and lifecycle. Rick’s powerful message for forum delegates brought into stark relief the opportunity for mining supply and service firms to catch onto and ride this wave of digital transformation in the global mining industry.
Alfredo Phillips, chair of Mexico’s Guerrero Mining Cluster and corporate affairs director, Torex Gold Resources, provided an update on the growth of the Guerrero mining cluster and opportunities for Northern Ontario firms to partner with companies in Mexico. The forum also featured international mining company presentations from Industrias Penoles and an update on Codelco’s massive El Teniente mine.
Another highlight of the day was a presentation by Sheldon Mudd from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, who provided an overview of current and future mining projects in Nevada.
Participants also learned about opportunities in Mongolia, Chile, India, West Africa, Argentina, Quebec and Ontario.
With the support of all our partners who contributed to the success of this event, we look forward to a repeat performance next June in 2018.
Scott Rennie is project manager, Northern Ontario Exports Program. For more information on the Northern Ontario Exports Program, including the Fall 2017 intake of the Strategic Export Marketing Program, please contact Scott at [email protected] or at 705-674-4455 x4403.
