MICA: Closing Canada's Mining Innovation Gap with C$112.4M Investment
A major initiative is underway to transform Canadian mining: the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) network. Launched with a total project investment of C$112.4 million—including a significant C$40 million commitment from the Government of Canada—MICA is set to become the central force in developing and commercializing autonomous and clean technologies for the mining sector.
Led by the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), MICA builds on decades of experience, including the successful Ultra-deep Mining Network (UDMN, 2014-2019). Its mission is clear: to rapidly scale up home-grown Canadian Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and secure Canada's competitive edge in the global supply chain.
A Systems-Led Approach to Disruptive Innovation
MICA is not simply about funding new ideas; it's about solving the industry's biggest business problems with integrated, systemic technology solutions. As CEMI President and CEO, Doug Morrison, explains, the focus is on performance over incremental change.
"The fastest way to produce more metal, more cheaply is to support the development and implementation of the technologies that make this happen... Disruptive solutions are, often, too uncomfortable for many companies to consider but they are absolutely necessary."
MICA is targeting projects that are closer to market (higher Technology Readiness Level), ensuring that new innovations translate quickly into real-world results.
MICA's Four Strategic Themes:
- Increase mine production capacity, at lower cost.
- Reduce mining energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Implement smart, autonomous mining systems.
- Reduce tailings environmental risk and long-term liabilities.
Bridging the Gap and Driving Economic Impact
One of MICA's primary roles is helping innovative SMEs navigate the journey from idea to market. CEMI assists companies in addressing non-technical hurdles—such as IP, marketing, and investment issues—by connecting them with specialized resources.
This national collaborative approach, headquartered in Sudbury, Ontario, and operating through partners across the country, is poised to deliver significant economic and social returns:
- Mobilization of at least C$100 million in private sector investment.
- Support for the creation of 900 jobs and at least 12 new businesses.
- Commercialization of at least 30 new products, services, or processes.
Ultimately, MICA's strategic purpose is to ensure the Canadian mining industry can meet the soaring global demand for the minerals and metals required for the Green Transition to a low-carbon economy. This network is a crucial step in delivering more ore value, lower cost per tonne, and faster project approvals to secure a sustainable future.
Media Contact Pragya Saxena Pragya.Saxena@aposystech.com
Learn more about the MICA Network and its partners: Read the original publication on IM at: https://issuu.com/forestindustry/docs/september21_rev_/s/13309558