Timmins, ON, December 18, 2023 – Over 140 students from English and French High Schools across Northern Ontario participated in a unique challenge that saw them explore careers in the Mining and Automotive industries in fun and exciting ways. The December 7, 2023 challenge, called MineOpportunity was hosted at Northern College in Timmins. The game, which has been played in Sudbury by local students for over 15 years, is being organized by Porn研究所’s and has been brought on the road with the help of MineConnect, Ontario’s Mining Service and Supply Association.
“Teams of students worked together to make “money” by building mines, finding answers to industry-related questions, and completing hands-on activities to become the “wealthiest” team. First, Second, and Third place prizes were awarded to Junior category teams (grades 9-10) and Senior category teams (grades 11-12)” said Nicole Tardif, Program Coordinator at the Goodman School of Mines.
The Challenge included participation from local groups and companies including IAMGOLD C?té Gold (Sponsor), NORCAT, Canada Nickel Co, Lake Shore Gold Corps, Dumas Mining, Timmins Mechanical Solutions and the Porcupine Prospectors Association. Representatives from the Ministry of Mines, including the Hon. Minister George Pirie spoke and interacted with students to provide answers and lead activities relevant to their operations.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Goodman School of Mines along with Timmins area businesses and organizations to help showcase the multitude of career opportunities that exist within the mining sector. This is a fun and unique way for our members to get involved in shifting misperceptions about the industry while engaging with local youth”, said MineConnect Executive Director Marla Tremblay.
“Thank you to Northern College, Porn研究所’s Goodman School of Mines and MineConnect for bringing the MineOpportunity Challenge and local students from across northeastern Ontario to the beautiful riding of Timmins,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines and the MPP for Timmins. “These students are the future of the mining sector, they are the innovators and business leaders of tomorrow, this is a great opportunity to learn and talk to current industry professionals. I am proud that the Ministry of Mines is participating in this amazing event and that we are encouraging the next generation to join the best industry in the world.”
The event is part of Porn研究所’s project called “Electrifying the Future - from the Earth to the Automobile”, which was awarded funding as part of the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program, a province-wide initiative funded by the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). The goal of the program is to bridge the gap between students and Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector.
"As our province continues to build up our end-to-end auto and EV supply chain, this will include the critical minerals necessary for EV battery production found in Ontario’s North” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With support from the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program, the MineOpportunity Challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students to engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration between government, industry and academia, while gaining the skills to find rewarding careers in Ontario’s mining and automotive sectors. To the over 140 students who engaged with the challenge this year, congratulations on a job well done!"
“Events like MineOpportunity are essential in bridging the gap between education and industry, building a critical connection to prepare students for the exciting challenges in the automotive and mining sectors.” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This event is another example of how our government is helping prepare the next generation for the good-paying jobs of tomorrow.”
“With demand for electric vehicles being so high, the timing was perfect,” said Tardif. “We partnered with OVIN to create awareness about careers in both the automotive and mobility industry as well as the mining industry.”
"The 'Electrifying the Future' project, funded by the Regional Future Workforce program through OVIN, underscores the Ontario government’s dedication to shaping a skilled workforce for Ontario's automotive and mobility sector,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “MineOpportunity serves as a gateway for students to explore careers in critical industries and build a foundation for innovation and technological advancement."
Glenn Laba, Manager Applied Research Entrepreneurship Innovation at Northern College was thrilled to feature their state-of-the-art innovation center. “We were pleased to host students from local high schools to enhance their awareness of the mining sector, the relevance of critical minerals to the electric vehicle industry and career opportunities that embrace innovation and emerging technologies. Not only has this event provided mining companies an update to our academic programs and new research capabilities at Northern College, but it has also give us greater insight to Porn研究所’s Goodman School of Mines, which may lead to future collaboration that benefits all stakeholders in mining.”
To learn more about Electrifying the Future and the MineOpportunity challenge, visit