Northern Ontario mining supply and service companies will benefit from a new initiative to connect small- to medium-sized business with markets in the Nevada gold and silver mining district.
Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation (ONEDC), an alliance of economic development entities in Northern Ontario, is rolling out an initiative that will benefit up to 30 companies in the next two years.
MineConnect, Ontario’s mining supply and services association, has been selected to lead the initiative as part of the Northern Ontario Exports Program, funded by FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
The association will hire an in-market representative to support qualifying companies from a base in Elko, Nevada. MineConnect has extensive expertise to assist companies with the development of leads and contracts in international markets.
ONEDC is comprised of five Northern Ontario communities - Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Greater Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins. Since its incorporation in 2005, ONEDC has focused on Pan-Northern Economic Development projects to foster retention and attraction of employment and investment in the region.
“The City of Greater Sudbury is proud to deliver the Northern Ontario Exports Program on behalf of ONEDC,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger.
“This partnership between the five cities has been instrumental in supporting export development and business growth for mining supply and service companies across Northern Ontario.
"I am confident that establishing the Nevada storefront in partnership with MineConnect will go a long way to helping Northern Ontario firms gain a foothold in this key mining market.”
FedNor and the NOHFC fund the Northern Ontario Exports Program with matching contributions of $1.6 million.
“Our government recognizes the strategic importance of Northern Ontario’s mining supply and service sectors, which generate an estimated $5 billion annually and support more than 20,000 jobs in the region," said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor.
"We are proud to invest in projects such as this to help businesses create jobs, fuel our recovery and position Northern Ontario for strong and sustainable growth.”
