Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation (ONEDC), an alliance of economic development entities in northern Ontario, is rolling out an initiative that will connect small to medium-sized mining supply and service companies with markets in the Nevada gold and silver mining district.

MineConnect, Ontario’s mining supply and services association, has been selected to lead the initiative as part of the Northern Ontario Exports Program, funded by FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

The association will hire an in-market representative to support qualifying companies from a base in Elko, Nevada. MineConnect has extensive expertise to assist companies with the development of leads and contracts in international markets.

Up to 30 mining supply and service companies are expected to benefit from the program over the next two years. More information, including how to participate, will be released at www.investnorthernontario.ca and www.mineconnect.ca.

ONEDC is comprised of the five Northern Ontario communities – Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Greater Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins. Since its incorporation in 2005, ONEDC has focused on Pan-Northern Economic Development projects to foster retention and attraction of employment and investment in the region.

FedNor and the NOHFC fund the Northern Ontario Exports Program with matching contributions of $1.6 million.

Quotes:

“Our government recognizes the strategic importance of Northern Ontario’s mining supply and service sectors, which generate an estimated $5 billion annually and support more than 20,000 jobs in the region. We are proud to invest in projects such as this to help businesses create jobs, fuel our recovery and position Northern Ontario for strong and sustainable growth.”

• the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Our government is pleased to support the economic development opportunities being fostered through the Northern Ontario Exports Program. Not only will this project create good-paying jobs, it will increase Northern Ontario’s capacity to attract new investment, grow existing businesses and strengthen mining sector resiliency.”

• Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines

“The City of Greater Sudbury is proud to deliver the Northern Ontario Exports Program on behalf of ONEDC. This partnership between the five cities has been instrumental in supporting export development and business growth for mining supply and service companies across Northern Ontario. I am confident that establishing the Nevada storefront in partnership with MineConnect will go a long way to helping Northern Ontario firms gain a foothold in this key mining market.”

• Brian Bigger, Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury

“Providing a storefront option in a mine rich area like Elko, Nevada will assist Northern Ontario mining suppliers to access new markets. Exporting products and services is one of the key foundations for economic diversification. We are very pleased to be working with MineConnect on this initiative. We believe this opportunity will provide many opportunities for our Northern firms.”

• Christy Marinig, Chair, ONEDC and CEO, Timmins Economic Development Corporation

“Our mission statement reads ‘Suppliers of Choice to the World’. Having been selected to lead the Nevada storefront further positions our organization as a critical link for Northern Ontario companies seeking to generate business from outside of Ontario. Our mandate is focused on assisting our member companies grow their businesses regionally, nationally and internationally and this initiative represents another significant step forward.”

• Paul Bradette, Executive Director, MineConnect

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Media Contact:

Elena Zabudskaya, Project Manager, Northern Ontario Exports Program

Email: elena.zabudskaya@greatersudbury.ca

Tel: 705-674-4455 extension 4625