Critical minerals, faster restoration
DIGITAL backs $19.9M in Canadian mining innovations to unlock critical minerals and restore lands faster
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DIGITAL has announced $19.9 million in funding for two Canadian mining innovations aimed at pulling critical minerals out of the ground faster and restoring mined land more effectively, according to Financial Post. The investments target growing global demand for minerals like copper and rare earth elements, which are essential for clean energy technology and electronics.
The two companies receiving funding are Novamera, which gets $3.8 million, and Koonkie Canada Inc., which receives $2.89 million, National Post reported. DIGITAL says its goal is to help Canadian companies move mining technology from development into real-world use.
Novamera's Surgical Mining Targets Ore With Robotic Precision
Novamera is using its $3.8 million grant to develop what it calls "Surgical Mining," according to Toronto Sun. The system combines subsurface imaging, AI-driven simulation, and robotics to pinpoint and extract ore with precision. Traditional mining often removes large amounts of surrounding rock to reach minerals. Surgical Mining aims to cut that waste significantly.
The technology works by mapping what lies underground, then using AI to plan the best extraction path. Robots then carry out the extraction. Calgary Sun noted this approach could move more critical mineral deposits toward production more efficiently, reducing both cost and environmental disruption at mine sites.
Koonkie's AI Platform Transforms How Mines Restore Ecosystems
Koonkie Canada Inc. is receiving $2.89 million for its Multi-lens Ecological Restoration Monitoring and Forecasting initiative, Ontario Farmer reported. The platform uses data and AI to track how well a mine site is recovering after operations end. This gives companies and regulators a clearer picture of biodiversity and land health over time.
Restoring mined land to a healthy ecosystem can take decades. Koonkie's tool aims to speed up that process by forecasting outcomes and flagging problems early. Stratford Beacon Herald reported that the initiative could transform the mining sector's standard approach to ecological restoration.
Canada Races to Meet Surging Critical Mineral Demand
Demand for critical minerals is rising fast. Copper, rare earth elements, and other minerals are needed for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy systems. Canada holds large deposits of many of these resources, but getting them to market quickly and responsibly has been a challenge, Daily Guardian noted.
DIGITAL acts as a bridge between tech developers and mining industry partners. It funds projects that test new solutions in real-world settings rather than just in labs. Paris Star Online reported that the two new investments are part of a broader push to make Canada a global leader in responsible, tech-driven mining.
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