Innovation Saskatchewan is pleased to announce an additional $1 million investment in the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII). The funding was announced at the IMII annual general meeting today.
In 2012, Innovation Saskatchewan committed $2.7 million to the minerals industry education and research accelerator, which has helped fund seven education and two research projects to date. The additional funding brings this investment to $3.7 million.
鈥淪askatchewan鈥檚 mining industry is contributing to our province鈥檚 strong, diversified economy and to the world in big ways,鈥� Minister responsible for Innovation Jeremy Harrison said. 鈥淲e are pleased to provide an additional investment to support two new IMII research and development projects, along with other opportunities, to ensure the industry鈥檚 continued expansion and prosperity.鈥�
The IMII is a collaboration between industry, government, and education and research institutions to articulate industry鈥檚 top concerns and facilitate the accelerated development of solutions for those needs.
鈥淭o date, the IMII has invested in a number of projects that are helping address industry鈥檚 largest challenges, from a skilled labour shortage to research and development projects addressing safety, environment, extraction, processing, exploration and market issues,鈥� IMII Executive Director Engin 脰zberk said. 鈥淭his additional $1 million will ensure the IMII can continue investing in projects that will enhance Saskatchewan鈥檚 reputation as a world leading mining jurisdiction.鈥�
The IMII is the only institute in Canada dedicated to conducting research on the unique problems arising from potash and uranium production 鈥� two key minerals in Saskatchewan鈥檚 mining industry.
