March 24, 2023 – Cambrian College’s Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Lab and Indigenous students both got a shot in the arm from Glencore Canada Corp.–Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations with a $350,000 donation.

The investment will be directed toward various aspects of the college’s BEV lab, including its construction, annual operating costs, and equipment procurement. Additionally, a portion of the investment will be allocated toward establishing an endowment fund that will provide annual bursaries to Indigenous students who are enrolled in technology, engineering, and skilled trades programs.

These initiatives will be housed within the Glencore Centre for Innovation.

“On behalf of Glencore Canada Corp. and Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO), we are pleased to celebrate a significant long-term partnership with Cambrian College,” said Peter Xavier, vice-president, Sudbury INO. “As we continue to build our next generation of Sudbury mines that are deeper and more complex than ever before, we know that investing in technology and innovation is key to realizing a mining future.”

“We are certain the lab will help increase Sudbury’s capacity to test, evaluate and prove innovative battery electric vehicle technology, provide a pipeline of talented tradespeople, and secure our city’s reputation as a leader in the mining sector,” Xavier added.

Currently under construction, the 5600-sf BEV lab will feature state-of-the-art equipment for BEV prototyping and testing electric powertrains and batteries. The lab aims to provide critical data to OEMs and end users on the performance characteristics of BEVs as the mining industry embarks on the widespread adoption of electric equipment. Construction will be completed in summer 2023.

“We are incredibly excited to continue our leadership in the mining industry by supporting the transition to battery-powered mining through the establishment of Cambrian’s Battery Electric Vehicle Lab,” said Shawn Poland, Cambrian’s interim president. “With this generous donation, we are creating a unique research facility that will provide unparalleled opportunities and knowledge for our industry partners and students to advance the use of BEV technology worldwide.”

The college’s main campus is located in Greater Sudbury, Ont., with satellite centres in Espanola and Little Current.