On March 2, 2026, Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, announced it is receiving $1.4 million in funding to boost mining research and create local jobs. This investment, provided by provincial and federal agencies, will help the university find new mining opportunities and support the regional economy.
The money comes from a partnership between the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and FedNor. With these funds, the university will set up a new mining research laboratory at its Thunder Bay campus and hire a research leader for a five-year term to focus on finding minerals.
The federal government is contributing $440,948 through FedNor to specifically help discover and develop new mining projects across Northern Ontario. Minister Patty Hajdu announced the federal portion of the investment to support increases in local mining development.
The announcement was made during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada 2026 convention. By working together, the university and government agencies hope to turn research into real-world mining jobs and business growth for the community.
