Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe announces funding for Cambrian College to advance first-in-Canada technology – November 13

SUDBURY, ON – As mining companies move quickly to adopt electric vehicles and equipment, the charging systems they rely on pose many challenges, like distance. This creates downtime, reduces productivity, and forces continued reliance on diesel.

Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury announced $300,000 over two years for Cambrian College to work with local industry to complete Canada’s first mobile high-power charging system for battery-electric vehicles for underground mines.

“Cambrian R&D has mastered the art of partnerships,” says Viviane Lapointe, Sudbury Member of Parliament. “This is another example of meaningful, hands-on experience for their students, while creating real-world solutions. As our mine sites transition to cleaner technology, it’s innovations like this that will be at the forefront of these opportunities. I want to commend Cambrian College for the important work they do to create opportunities for students with practical, transferable knowledge. Our government understands the importance of investments like this because it will have impacts on generations to come.”

Cambrian College, in collaboration with intelligent power management company Eaton, will develop a rugged, skid-mounted mobile charging system that can be moved underground as the mine advances. The new technology will consist of a large battery, a fast charger, and a mine-ready enclosure, giving vehicles and equipment enough power to safely get back to home base.

“To advance the electrification of mining in Canada, particularly for the development of critical minerals, you need to have critical infrastructure in place to make that happen, and this partnership with Eaton is a great example of how industry and education can work together to solve a real-world challenge in real time,” says Kristine Morrissey, President of Cambrian College. “We all know how frustrating and inefficient it is not to have a charger handy so we can keep working on our computer or phone. Imagine that on an industrial scale. That’s what this project is all about. It could have huge implications for the efficiency and adoption of electrified mining. I want to thank MP Viviane Lapointe and the Government of Canada for their ongoing support of Cambrian R&D’s efforts in mining innovation, and Eaton for being such an enthusiastic, engaged industry partner.”

With this funding, students will be trained in advanced electrification and clean-energy technologies, while supporting Canadian mining companies as they transition away from diesel. The benefits are certainly win-win for students and industry. This new technology is expected to bring forward many benefits, including lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, healthier air quality underground, and new commercialization opportunities for Canadian companies.

By creating a practical, made-in-Canada solution to one of the biggest barriers to BEV adoption in mining, this project will strengthen Canada’s leadership in sustainable resource development and clean technology innovation.

“Partnership across government, education and industry is essential to advancing practical solutions for mining electrification,” says Chris Fluit, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Eaton. “Our longstanding relationship with Cambrian College gives us an opportunity to tackle a real challenge for battery-electric mining while giving students hands-on experience with emerging technologies. Together, we can look beyond the charger itself to the power infrastructure, energy storage and expertise needed to meet the unique demands of underground operations.”