Government of Canada invests to help North Bay firm develop innovative clean-tech modular drilling system for the mining industry
May 17, 2019 - North Bay, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Northern Ontario will benefit from jobs, clean growth and a strong economy thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $750,000. The repayable contribution, provided by FedNor, will enable Drillco Mining and Exploration to develop the first clean-tech modular drilling system available to the mining industry.
The funding was announced today by Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
North Bay-based Drillco Mining and Exploration will use the FedNor funding to complete the final phase of development for its clean-tech modular drilling system, and allow the firm to manufacture five demonstration units to be sold and tested in real-world mining environments. Once complete and fully commercialized, the clean-tech modular drilling system will help mining firms improve operational efficiency and achieve greater environmental sustainability.
"Supporting Canadian innovators and job creators is a key priority for our government. This investment will help develop new clean technology for use by the mining industry here at home and around the globe. Strategic initiatives such as this one will help further position our nation as a world leader in the innovation economy."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Today's announcement highlights our government's commitment to support research and development in the region, while helping companies bring new products to market. This investment in Drillco will help protect the environment, strengthen the economy and create high-quality middle-class jobs right here in North Bay."
- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming
"This exciting initiative will allow us to capitalize on an immediate opportunity to create the first clean-tech modular drilling system available for use in the mining industry. We are pleased to partner with FedNor to develop this new technology and we look forward to the results it will achieve for our clients and the positive impact it will deliver for the health of companies and the environment."
- Sylvain Brisson, President and Founder of Drillco Mining and Exploration
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
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Since December 2015, FedNor has invested more than $13.6 million in support of 35 projects in the city of North Bay.
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Since its inception in 2013, Drillco Mining and Exploration has conceptualized, designed, modeled, engineered, prototyped and started testing the industry's first diamond core clean-tech modular drilling system that is capable of performing mineral drilling work on the three standard applications - surface, underground and heli-portable (fly-in).
