City of Greater Sudbury Marks Successful Engagement at MINExpo 2024

As MINExpo 2024 comes to an end, the City of Greater Sudbury’s participation has reinforced the community’s role as a vital hub for the global mining sector, showcasing the innovation happening within the local mining supply sector.

Over the course of three days, Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre and City representatives met with a number of key industry leaders, including original equipment manufacturers, potential national and international investors, and local organizations, to explore collaboration and expansion opportunities. Several foreign companies expressed interest in expanding or establishing operations in Greater Sudbury, drawn by the city’s mining ecosystem. Mayor Lefebvre and team also engaged with three multinational companies, each of which outlined potential plans to expand in Greater Sudbury over the coming years. These companies emphasized the importance of Greater Sudbury in their growth strategies and noted City initiatives like the Employment Lands Community Improvement Plan (ELCIP) as a positive factor in their investment decisions. 

“The conversations we’ve been having this week at MINExpo confirm what we’ve always known – Greater Sudbury is a critical player in the global mining industry,” said Mayor Lefebvre. “Hearing firsthand from these industry leaders that we are vital to their expansion plans is a testament to the strength of our community and the sector.”

Many Greater Sudbury companies also expressed their appreciation directly to Mayor Lefebvre for such a clear demonstration of support from the municipality. Mayor Lefebvre and City staff attended momentous announcements by companies within the local mining ecosystem, such as the strategic partnership between RufDiamond and MacLean Engineering. Together they have developed the Bay-Lynx Agilis Mobile Batch Plant System, that is designed to have shotcrete on demand, which will reduce costs and waste from traditional shotcrete applications.

In addition, Fortescue, one of the world’s leading technology, energy and metals companies, announced a groundbreaking partnership with MacLean at MINExpo. This partnership signals an important step toward sustainable mining, as MacLean is set to deliver a fleet of 30 battery electric graders, powered by Fortescue Zero battery systems, to Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia by 2029.

Together with the Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles Zaib Shaik and Ontario Minister of Mines George Pirie, Mayor Lefebvre also helped announce and celebrate the expansion of MineConnect Supply and Services Association to include all of Ontario, a move that will strengthen MineConnect’s market presence and provide its members with new opportunities.

Mayor Lefebvre was able to take the opportunity to engage with provincial officials, including Minister Pirie and Associate Minister Stephen Crawford, to discuss economic opportunities that will benefit Greater Sudbury and the broader region. The Northern Ontario reception hosted by MineConnect provided an additional platform to meet with industry stakeholders, building connections that will continue to support the City’s long-term economic goals.

The City’s success at MINExpo 2024 reflects its commitment to economic development and investment readiness. As Greater Sudbury continues to play a leading role in the global mining sector, participation and engagement over the past days has opened doors to new business relationships, supported local companies and further established the City as a global mining hub.