University of Toronto | Mining - Universities Canada

University of Toronto | Mining

Key facilities

The Lassonde Institute of Mining is a global leader in innovative research across the spectrum of mining activities, from exploration and extraction, to processing and metallurgy. It aims to attract and train future leaders in mining research and use its researchers’ expertise to benefit the mining industry. Institute personnel develop leading-edge solutions for the mining industry with a focus on sustainability. The institute brings together mining, civil, materials, and chemical engineers, as well as geophysicists, geologists, geochemists, and environmental scientists, who conduct research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Major collaborations

Geochemistry & Genomics (with Syncrude Canada Ltd. & Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance) is a project to investigate how a combination of geochemistry and genomics can provide new proactive biological solutions for improved monitoring and more sustainable end pit lake design for the oil sands.

Aerial Vehicles (with McEwen Mining) is a project to develop unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time, high-resolution mining data acquisition for post-blast rock fragmentation, hyperspectral analysis of post-blast muck piles and monitoring of surface excavations and earthworks.

Industrial Wastewater Management (with Vale, Glencore, Teck & Hatch with funding from Genome Canada) is a project working on genomics-driven improvements in bioleaching, sulphur and selenium stabilization.

Mine Development (with Kinross Gold Corporation) is a project to improve our understanding of the geomechanical properties of frozen and thawing rock masses to inform mine development in northern and changing climates.

Researchers

Murray Grabinsky, Robert M Smith Chair in Geotechnical Mine Design – Research focuses on liquefaction of strong ground and of mine tailings mixed with “Cemented Paste Backfill.”

Elizabeth Edwards, Canada Research Chair in Anaerobic Biotechnology – Research focuses on subsurface microbial processes to biologically transform toxic pollutants or to convert waste products to more valuable products.

John Hadjigeorgiou, Pierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering – Research focuses on rock characterization, slope stability, tunneling, reinforcement and support, and mine design.

John Harrison, Keck Chair in Engineering Rock Mechanics – Research focuses on the unpredictability of the properties of fractured rock masses, particularly with regard to rock engineering design.

Lesley Warren, Claudette MacKay-Lassonde Chair in Mineral Engineering – Research focuses on integrated approaches to the roles of genomes and microorganisms in geochemical cycling.

Special programs and work integrated learning initiatives

BASc in Lassonde Mineral Engineering

The Program addresses the most pressing challenges facing mining, from new technologies to extract value from low-grade ores to innovations that improve the sustainability, economics and social impact of mining.

Professional Experience Year Co-op

This program enables engineering undergraduates who have completed their second or third year of study to build meaningful work experience, strengthen their professional networks and enhance their interpersonal and technical competencies. During this period, which lasts 12 to 16 consecutive months, students are full-time employees with a competitive salary.

University-industry research partnerships