Can you share some important updates from MineConnect over the last 12 months?

Our association has experienced strong momentum over the past year, reflecting both the visibility our team has created for the brand and the value our members see in our work. The expansion of MineConnect, announced at MINExpo 2024, has driven additional growth, with many Ontario companies outside the North now looking to us as the gateway into the mining industry. Through new partnerships and collaborations in southern Ontario, and with more on the horizon, our reach continues to broaden. MineConnect is growing faster than I could have imagined when I first stepped into this role.

How has MineConnect’s role in Ontario’s mining industry evolved?

Our expansion into southern Ontario has strengthened our collaboration with the provincial government, while the growing focus on critical minerals has brought new attention to the North and to areas that were not always in the spotlight. We have also deepened our work with the Ontario Mining Association and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, giving service providers a seat at bigger conversations that were previously out of reach. 

What can be done to improve the number of women in mining?

Across the sector, companies are increasingly recognizing the value that women bring, not simply as a way to meet diversity targets. But there is still work to be done. True progress requires education and awareness about the realities and needs of women in the workplace, and MineConnect is proud to help drive that conversation forward. The growth of Women in Mining chapters, along with the rising participation of both men and women at these events, showcases a sector that is evolving. Education should not only inspire more women to enter mining but also demonstrate to everyone the undeniable strength and value that women contribute to the industry’s future.

What have been impacts of the current geopolitical environment on Northern Ontario?

Our members have felt the effects of the uncertainty created by discussions around tariffs and sanctions, particularly with contracts that are central to their operations and workforce. In response, some companies have begun stockpiling raw materials from the US, while others engaged in global trade are diversifying into new industries and markets to maintain stability.

What can be done to promote Ontario’s mining industry on a global scale?

Ontario used to have a huge presence on the global stage. However, this has dwindled recently due to a lack of promotional funding. This is something that MineConnect has been working to reverse over the years. We also need to focus on our own province, demonstrating the value of mining. We need to better present a modern image of mining, with a message that resonates with everyday people, not just those in the industry. 

Mines require so many more jobs than one first imagines, and demonstrating our value to everyone will encourage more people to enter the sector and have a positive view of the industry.

What are your ambitions and goals for MineConnect in the next year?

We have lots of events and roadshows scheduled, trying to consolidate our initiatives that have taken place over the last couple of years to make our offerings worthwhile and targeted at the success of our members. The association is trying to grow our relationships with the mines themselves, as well as bringing more professionals from these operations to our events. This helps better connect our industry. 

The growth of MineConnect in regional events will always be evaluated against what these can bring to our members. We are working to bring more delegations from outside of Ontario to introduce companies to more markets, and we are looking to conduct a comprehensive study of the Mining Supply and Services (MSS) sector, including employment, export activity, and core capabilities, to gain a clearer and more accurate understanding of its true impact. This will help us evaluate our opportunities for growth in the market and will be the first study of its kind in a decade.