Sudbury MP announces boost to Cambrian College R&D – June 24

SUDBURY, ON – Hands-on learning opportunities for students at Cambrian College are getting a significant boost today, thanks to support from the federal government. Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced an investment of $1,004,096 for Cambrian College through Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program.

This funding will support the transition from diesel to electric underground mining vehicles. The project will focus on converting a diesel loader into a battery-electric vehicle and validating its performance in real operating conditions. By doing so, it aims to advance the electrification of mining equipment through a practical, cost-effective approach to decarbonization.

In support of this initiative, Walden Equipment – part of the Walden Group of Companies –  has donated a diesel loader to be converted by students at Cambrian R&D. This contribution will provide students with valuable, hands-on experience while helping to develop real-world solutions for a cleaner mining sector. The project will see the creation of several student research positions, namely in disciplines like Heavy Duty Mechanic, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. In all, the College anticipates hiring five student positions for this project who will gain critical experience in this fast-moving sector.

“Cambrian College has consistently demonstrated its positive impact on the mining and supply industry here in Sudbury. These partnerships are a powerful example of how collaboration between industry and education can transform the way our sectors operate,” says Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury. “With mining at the forefront of innovation, it is essential that students gain meaningful, real-world experience. I am proud to support this investment, as our government recognizes how critical it is, not only for strengthening industry, but for building the workforce of the future.”

“I would like to thank Natural Resources Canada and Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe for their support of our project with the Walden Group,” says Kristine Morrissey, President of Cambrian College. “The mining sector is increasingly electrifying its fleet of vehicles and equipment, and Cambrian R&D’s Centre for Smart Mining is perfectly suited for this task. Our strategic goals at Cambrian include accelerating innovation with our industry partners and promoting sustainability, and this project checks both of those boxes.”

“We want to thank the Government of Canada for this funding which is making possible this collaboration with Cambrian College,” says Greg Seguin, Vice-President of the Walden Group. “To provide the best equipment to our customers in the mining industry, we need to be at leading edge of the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles and machinery and having access to the facilities and expertise at Cambrian R&D is an important part of that strategy. We’re very pleased with this collaboration.”