The Province of Ontario is supporting economic growth in Nipissing with more than $2.3 million in investments through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

On Dec. 19, Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced an investment of more than $2.1 million in four local mining supply and service companies, which will create 46 full-time and two part-time jobs. The investments include:

• $1.4 million for Foraco Canada Ltd. to purchase mining tools and equipment that enable them to expand the business by opening new underground core and percussive drilling divisions. 

• $250,000 for Drillco Mining and Exploration to design, engineer and manufacture a modular mast system that can be broken down for shipping and used in either surface or underground operations, allowing them to market their modular drilling system. 

• $337,164 for Paige Engineering Ltd. to design and develop remote explosive loading technology for mining and construction. They are also working on modifying the main ingredients in explosives into a more cost-effective product. 

• $200,000 for SafeSight Exploration to purchase unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, and modify them for use in underground mines.

Fedeli said, “Supporting cutting-edge technology and innovation in this sector sends a strong signal to the world that Northern Ontario is open for business.”