On September 3, the University of Toronto welcomed MP Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, for a briefing on the Lassonde Institute of Mining’s (LIM) innovative training, upskilling and research programs.
Mining supplies advanced materials needed for everyday essentials and a wide range of sectors – from electric vehicles to health to advanced manufacturing. The demand for minerals and metals is expected to increase as Canada and the world shifts to a zero-emission, tech-driven economy.
However, Canada’s mining industry is experiencing a labour shortage, with approximately 80,000 workers needed by 2030 to meet the growing demand for critical minerals. At the same time, for professionals working in remote mine sites across the country, in-person professional development poses a barrier.
For the past 25 years, LIM has been a leading centre for mining talent development and research. Today, U of T Mining is housed within the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering – in the heart of the global mining finance capital – and ranked third in Canada and 12th globally.
“LIM is actively addressing the mining industry’s talent needs,” explains Sebastian Goodfellow, Director of the Lassonde Institute of Mining.
At the undergraduate level, the department introduced a seminar course where industry professionals share their career paths with students. It also introduced a field trip course to active mines, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. It also partnered with NORCAT in Sudbury – a leader in mining training – to revamp a fourth-year field course to offer cutting-edge, hands-on learning opportunities.
“Our students are at the centre of these changes. Combined with a growing recognition of mining’s importance, these efforts have resonated with students, leading to a doubling of enrolment in recent years,” Goodfellow notes.
For students interested in gaining exposure to industry and building their network, U of T’s Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-Op Program allows third- and fourth-year mineral engineering students to complete up to 20-months of work experience during their degree.
For professionals working in the mining industry, the Mining Industry Management Program (MIMP) developed by Kamran Esmaeili, Professor and Associate Chair of Lassonde Mineral Engineering Undergraduate Program, is also attracting a growing number of participants.
“As the mining industry evolves, professionals must continuously expand their knowledge and skills to remain competitive. The MIMP helps participants adapt to emerging technologies, environmental regulations, and sustainable practices,” explains Esmaeili.
By working with industry partners including Agnico, Rio Tinto, Teck, and Deloitte, the department developed five online courses covering exploration and resource management, economics and finance, environmental, social and governance (ESG), construction and development of mining projects, and mine operations (under development). Courses are taught by experts in their field, allowing participants to gain insights from practitioners and expand their network.
“We’re excited to see the continued growth of the MIMP and are committed to supporting the learning and training objectives of employers, seasoned professionals, early career professionals, and recent graduates alike,” Esmaeili adds.
Since 2023, over 250 participants from across Canada and around the world have enrolled in this unique program.
“It was a pleasure hosting Parliamentary Secretary Bardeesy,” says Marianne Hatzopoulou, Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering.
“With expertise across the entire mining lifecycle, the Lassonde Institute of Mining is uniquely positioned to support the sector’s training and research needs and, in so doing, Canada’s mining sector, energy transition, and net zero objectives.”
Reflecting on his visit with LIM, Parliamentary Secretary Bardeesy says “Post-secondary institutions are developing the talent needed to support critical sectors like mining. It was great to learn how U of T is partnering with industry to inspire the next generation of engineers and prepare them for in-demand careers that are vital to Canada’s economic prosperity.”
GRO extends its thanks to Professors Goodfellow, Esmaeili, and Hatzopoulou for sharing their expertise and Parliamentary Secretary Bardeesy for visiting U of T’s Lassonde Institute of Mining.
By Catrina Kronfli
This story originally published by the U of T Government Relations Office (GRO)