International Minerals Innovation Institute Develops a Mining Minerals Research Cluster in Collaboration with the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan January 28, 2016 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Western Economic Diversification Canada The Government of Canada and the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) today announced that the IMII, on behalf of its potash industry and provincial government members, has entered into research funding agreements with the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. These agreements will see the development of the Mining Materials Research Cluster in Saskatchewan, which will conduct research into the corrosion of materials used in the fabrication of mineral processing and mining equipment used in Saskatchewan’s potash industry. Under the terms of the agreements, the IMII will fund the Research Cluster for four years to a maximum of $1,200,000. It will be supported by funding from the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and MITACS. Quick Facts The IMII is a unique industry-government-post-secondary education and research institution partnership funded by industry and government. Western Economic Diversification Canada will contribute $915,000 to the Research Cluster. The Institute is a catalyst to developing industry-driven education and training programs to address labour force needs in the sector, and conducting industry-driven research and development. Its focus is on workplace health and safety, environmental sustainability, social licence, policy research, exploration, mining, processing and economics of commodities to ensure the continued growth of the industry. Quotes "The Government of Canada proudly supports further development of the mining industry in Saskatchewan. Innovations in mining will help support sustainability in our natural resource sectors, while maintaining jobs, prosperity and opportunities within the industry." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada "As the world's largest producer and exporter of potash, Saskatchewan will benefit significantly from this investment. Our Government's support of research and development into preventing corrosion will help ensure that potash mining remains a valuable component in our provincial economy." - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness "The Government of Saskatchewan welcomes the development of the Mining Materials Research Cluster and the partnership between industry, government and research institutions that has made this possible. The innovative efforts of this new Research Cluster have the potential to benefit the potash industry, and ultimately the province, through improved safety and reduced environmental impacts." - The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Innovation, Government of Saskatchewan "The IMII is pleased that four research and development projects are poised to start up the new Research Cluster. Participating in the Research Cluster and its first four projects are the University of Saskatchewan's College of Engineering – Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, and College of Arts and Science – Department of Chemistry, the University of Regina's Faculty of Environmental Systems Engineering, and the Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon." - Al Shpyth, Executive Director, International Minerals Innovation Institute Additional Links Contacts Rhonda LaingDirector of Policy, Planning and External RelationsWestern Economic Diversification CanadaTelephone: 306-975-5944Email: rhonda.laing@canada.ca Deb Young Government of Saskatchewan, Media Relations ManagerMarketing and Communications, Ministry of the EconomyRegina, Canada S4S 3Z8Telephone:  306-787-6315Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca  Al ShpythExecutive DirectorInternational Minerals Innovation InstituteSaskatoon, SaskatchewanTelephone: 306-668-2057Email: al.shpyth@imii.ca WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD. Follow us on Twitter at @WD_Canada.