RBC Foundation Invests $500,000 in Cambrian College’s new Vale Electric Vehicle Lab

Sudbury, ON – RBC Foundation is making a large donation to the new Vale Electric Vehicle Lab at Cambrian College.

RBC Foundation is donating $500,000 to the EV Lab, which officially opened last month in the Glencore Centre for Innovation, home of Cambrian R&D, the college’s applied research division.

“With RBC’s ambition to support the transition to a net zero economy, we know that the establishment of sustainable practices is collaborative, and we’re pleased to support Cambrian College in this space as it pertains to the mining industry,” says Scott Simon, RBC Regional Vice-President. “We’re delighted that, with support from RBC Foundation, the Vale Electric Vehicle Lab will further the progress in mining electrification and provide increased training opportunities for an upskilled workforce.”

The Vale Electric Vehicle Lab was created with support of ten key collaborators and is the first of its kind in Northern Ontario. The lab provides essential infrastructure for the development, testing, and deployment of battery electric vehicles in the mining sector. By working with industry leaders, the lab seeks to foster innovation, reduce environmental impact, and accelerate the shift from diesel-powered to battery-powered mining equipment. Additionally, it will offer crucial training to build a skilled workforce prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

“We are incredibly grateful to RBC Foundation for its generous donation in helping us proceed with the Vale Electric Vehicle Lab,” says Janneke Nicholls, Cambrian College’s Vice-President of Finance, Administration, and Applied Research. “This donation supports us to move forward quickly, in our effort to drive innovation, sustainability, and the growth of green technology in mining. Together, this helps position Northern Ontario as a leader in this critical transition.”

In addition to industry support, the Vale Electric Vehicle Lab has also received support from all levels of government, highlighting its alignment with local, provincial and national priorities. Backed by municipal, provincial, and federal partners, the lab fosters green innovation and sustainable growth.
By working to reduce industrial emissions and preparing Canada’s workforce for the future of mining, the Vale Electric Vehicle Lab seeks to address the immediate needs of Northern Ontario while contributing to Canada’s broader goal of building a cleaner, more sustainable economy. This collaboration solidifies Cambrian College’s role as a key player in driving both regional and national progress toward a low-carbon future.