At the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) 2018 Convention, the Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle revealed that the province is investing in technology projects in its northern region.

The NOHFC funding has spotlighted four companies in Greater Sudbury and Nipissing that provide the industry supplies and services. In all, the projects will create or keep about 50 full-time jobs.

One of the recipients, Drillco Mining and Exploration, will use its C$250,000 (US$194,000) to design, build and field-test the first prototype of the MDS1, a next-generation modular drilling system, with the capability to drill underground, at the surface and for fly-in operations.

Furthermore, with its funding of C$200,000, Foraco Canada plans to create a self-propelled Mobile F36 skid steer-longhole drill prototype. The product, ideal for underground drilling and considered to be the first of its kind in mining, will be able to increase a mine's productivity, efficiencies and safety during long-hole drill operations.

According to the Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies 2017, Ontario is one of the world's top 10 jurisdictions for investment, and its mineral production sector directly employs more than 26,000 workers.