Mini mining forum in Timmins brings key stakeholders together

The mining supply and service sector had an opportunity to learn about new projects in Timmins on Thursday.

The Timmins Economic Development Corporation and MineConnect hosted a forum to showcase the city’s role as a mining hub.

The Timmins Economic Development Corporation and MineConnect collaborated for the first time to host a mini mining forum. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Sixty delegates representing both northern and southern Ontario participated in the one-day event at the McIntyre Community Centre.

Kristofer Cacciotti, global business development manager for NSS Canada, a company in Sudbury that developed a miner operated survey system, was interested in learning more about Galleon Gold’s West Cache project.

"I'm in sales and sales is relationships," said Cacciotti.

"There's nothing better for relationships than meeting in person, sharing a beverage, eating a meal together, shaking a firm handshake, really building that foundation from the ground up."

This was the first time the Timmins Economic Development Corp. (TEDC) and MineConnect have collaborated.

"We try to help bridge the gap in the supply chain through collaboration and really networking, helping give these suppliers opportunities to meet with each other and the mines and find where the gaps may be," said Heather Johnston, project manager with MineConnect, based in Sudbury.

The TEDC said the partnership underscores its dedication to fostering growth in the city’s mining sector.

Brenda Camirand, director of economic development for the City of Timmins, said working with MineConnect gives the city an opportunity to connect the local business community with industry experts.

The Timmins Economic Development Corporation and MineConnect collaborated for the first time to host a mini mining forum. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

"It also provides opportunity to gain insights into emerging new markets," Camirand said.

Mayor Michelle Boileau said the relationships help the city be ready to take advantage when opportunities arise.

"We have that ecosystem built out and they don't have to look far to be able to get everything that's required to manage their operations," Boileau said.

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"I'm thinking in terms of supply equipment, the service, the maintenance aspect of mining operations as well, so we want to do what we can to support our local suppliers so that they can scale up and be ready for those opportunities."

One of the main features of the forum was a panel discussion that included an economist from TD Economics and a provincial employee who spoke about how to leverage immigration pathways to fill labour needs.

However, CTV News was not permitted to record them.