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SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Earlier this year, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) launched a new business attraction program called theMining Technology Explore Program (EXPLORE). Through this program SREDA provided support to selected international companies with technologies applicable to the local mining industry.
“EXPLORE was developed to connect international technology solutions to the Saskatchewan mining industry. The response to the program was tremendous with 23 companies from seven countries applying,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “This program is one example of how SREDA globally promotes the Saskatoon region to support business attraction and investment to the region.”
This year four companies were selected for the EXPLORE program: IVD Mining (Chile), Petrolab/iMin (United Kingdom/Australia), Winspect (Austria) and FREDsense Technologies (Alberta). These companies will be in Saskatoon from April 12th to 13th to attend the Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum, network with industry leaders and showcase their technologies.
“We are thrilled to be chosen as one of the winners of SREDA’s EXPLORE program. We are looking forward to making connections in Saskatoon, learning more about the Saskatchewan mining industry and seeking out potential partnership opportunities,” said Fernando Muniz-Simas, Founder of IVD Mining.
The applicants were reviewed by the EXPLORE Selection Committee. This committee consists of representatives from the following organizations: Innovation Saskatchewan, International Minerals Innovation Institute, Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, University of Saskatchewan and Westcap Mgt. Ltd.
“The selection committee was extremely impressed by the quality and scope of this year’s EXPLORE applicants. SREDA’s EXPLORE program gives access to innovative technologies that may not currently be available to the Saskatchewan mining industry. This program is a wonderful opportunity to globally showcase Saskatoon, local mining industries and the winning applicants,” said Joni Brisbin, Director of the Centre for Minerals Innovation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
SREDA plans to continue this type of program in the future and develop similar initiatives for other key sectors of the Saskatoon region economy.
“The goal of these programs is to bring companies with innovative technologies to the Saskatoon region that add value to local industries,” said Wanda Hunchak, Board Chair of SREDA.
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For more information, please contact:
Erin Lawson, Marketing and Communications Manager
P: (306) 664-0708 E: elawson@sreda.com
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) helps grow the local economy by providing programs and services in the areas of business attraction, retention and expansion; entrepreneurship support; regional planning; and marketing the Saskatoon region.
