Mine Mechanization and Automation at CANMET, Natural Resources Canada

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a federal government department specializing in the sustainable development and use of natural resources—energy, minerals and metals, forests—and in Earth sciences. NRCan deals with natural resource issues that are important to Canadians. These issues are examined from both a national and international perspective, our expertise in science and technology, policy and research programmes. How we manage our land and resources today will determine the quality of life for Canadians now and in the future. The activities of NRCan in the mineral resources are realised within the Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories (MMSL) of CANMET, which include the Mine Mechanisation and Automation Program (MMAP). Based at the Experimental Mine in Val d’Or, the MMAP has for its goal to enhance health and safety in underground mining operations, facilitate mechanization and automation in narrow veins and deep mines, provide sound science to regulatory agencies and improve mine profitability. The MMAP is involved in a number of major projects such as the application of hydrogen fuelcell in underground mining equipment, electrification and (water powering) hydraulification of narrow vein mines, reduction of noise and vibration, miner location device, and hoisting.