Lakehead University and Laurentian University have each received donations toward research chairs focused on mining and minerals. At Lakehead, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) has donated $1M to establish the Lakehead University–NOHFC Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration. The university simultaneously received $441K from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario toward a new microanalytical research lab focused on mineral exploration. Laurentian received funding from Vale Base Metals and the United Steelworkers Local 6500 to create the Dr Leo Gerard Research Chair in Occupational Safety and Health. The chair will focus on research, training, and innovation to protect workers in the mining sector.
