CEMI and ICEMD Forge Partnership to Advance Indigenous Leadership in Mining Innovation
Sudbury, Ontario – September 16, 2025 – The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), which manages the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) Network, announced a new partnership with the Indigenous Centre for Excellence in Mineral Development (ICEMD). The agreement, signed in Sudbury, Ontario, on September 16, 2025, is designed to strengthen Indigenous leadership and participation within Canada's mining innovation ecosystem.
Through this agreement, CEMI and ICEMD will work together to align priorities, co-develop innovation projects that enhance community well-being, and ensure Indigenous perspectives are central to the advancement of mining technologies. The partnership will see the two organizations co-host webinars, provide community briefings on emerging mining technologies, and create youth outreach programs to inspire the next generation of leaders in mining innovation.
CEMI and ICEMD will also co-develop white papers, ESG dashboards, and digital community platforms to support transparency, trust, and knowledge-sharing. In addition, both organizations will collaborate to elevate Indigenous voices and highlight Northern Ontario’s role in shaping global mining innovation. Importantly, the partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to uphold OCAP® principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) in the stewardship of First Nations data.
“This partnership reflects CEMI’s commitment to ensuring that mining innovation contributes to inclusive and sustainable development across Canada. Together with ICEMD, we will amplify Indigenous perspectives, foster trust, and create pathways for Indigenous-led innovation to shape the future of mining.”
— Chamirai Charles Nyabeze, Network Director, MICA / EVP Business Development, CEMI
“ICEMD is pleased to formalize our collaboration with CEMI. By bringing together Indigenous knowledge and leading-edge mining innovation, new pathways emerge for Indigenous communities to not only participate in but shape and lead Canada’s mineral development future.”
— Jenny-Lou Campbell, Executive Director, ICEMD
“The collaboration between CEMI and ICEMD is a critical step in ensuring that Indigenous voices are not only included but play a leading role in shaping how mining innovation develops in Canada. By combining Indigenous knowledge systems with cutting-edge technologies, we can create solutions that are more sustainable, more inclusive, and ultimately more impactful for communities and the mining sector as a whole.”
— Douglas Morrison, President and CEO, CEMI
This agreement, signed in Sudbury, Ontario, demonstrates a shared commitment to building an inclusive and innovative mining ecosystem that benefits communities, advances sustainability, and strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in critical minerals and resource innovation.
Media Contacts
CEMI / MICA Network
Marketing & Communications
Email: marketing@cemi.ca
ICEMD Jenny-Lou Campbell
Executive Director
Email: jcampbell@icemd.ca