CEMI and MICA Network Announce Strategic Partnership with CTRI to Accelerate Sustainable Mining Innovation
SUDBURY, ON | March 31, 2026 – The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) and its Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) network are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration agreement with the Industrial Waste Technology Center (CTRI). Facilitated by the strategic mediation of ethos, this partnership marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between applied research and market-ready sustainable solutions for the global mining and industrial sectors.
As the industry faces increasing pressure to enhance productivity while meeting rigorous ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, this collaboration creates a powerful synergy between CEMI’s commercialization engine and CTRI’s deep technical expertise.
Bridging Research and Commercialization
The partnership focuses on identifying and supporting high-potential projects through the stages of innovation, demonstration, and full-scale commercialization. By leveraging CTRI’s multidisciplinary capabilities, the collaboration will address critical industry challenges, including:
Mineral Processing & Optimization: Advanced separation and transformation techniques to maximize resource recovery.
Circular Economy & Waste Valorization: Transforming industrial tailings and secondary materials into valuable assets.
Energy & Bioproducts: Integrating biomass and bioenergy solutions into industrial frameworks.
Environmental Remediation: Reducing industrial liabilities and restoring ecosystems through innovative technologies.
Scale-up Support: Utilizing CTRI’s specialized laboratories and pilot units to move technologies from concept to pre-industrial reality.
A Catalyst for Global Transition
Through the MICA network, CEMI serves as a catalyst for the adoption of "Smart Mining" systems, energy efficiency, and the securing of critical minerals essential for the green transition.
This agreement with CTRI, supported by the vision of ethos, allows us to strengthen the ties between the innovation ecosystems of Quebec, the rest of Canada, and the international stage," said Chamirai Nyabeze, EVP Business Development of CEMI. "By combining our commercialization resources with CTRI’s technical rigor, we are accelerating the deployment of concrete solutions that improve industrial performance while drastically reducing the environmental footprint.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Together, CEMI, MICA, CTRI, and ethos are committed to supporting technology companies at every level of maturity. This alliance ensures that the next generation of mining technologies is not only productive and efficient but also inherently circular and socially responsible.
This collaboration reinforces CTRI's position as a premier player in applied research and positions the MICA network to deliver even greater value to its members and the broader mining value chain.
About CEMI & MICA
The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) helps solve the challenges of the mining industry by accelerating the commercialization of innovations. The Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) is a pan-Canadian network designed to bridge the gap between mining companies and technology providers.
About CTRI
The Industrial Waste Technology Center (CTRI) is a leading applied research center with 25 years of experience, specializing in the valorization of industrial residues and the development of innovative environmental processes. Affiliated with the Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, CTRI also offers professional development and continuing education, and is part of the Mining Innovation Zone (ZIM), located in Rouyn-Noranda at the heart of Québec’s mining hub.
About ethos
ethos stratégie is a Québec-based strategic advisory firm headquartered in Rouyn-Noranda, specializing in ESG strategy, stakeholder engagement and sustainable development for the mining sector. The firm supports mining companies throughout the project life cycle, helping them navigate environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges while building strong partnerships with communities, governments and industry stakeholders to advance responsible and sustainable projects.
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Media Contact:
For CEMI/MICA
CEMI / MICA
Marketing & Communications
marketing@cemi.ca
For CTRI
Julie Caron
Innovation and business development advisor
julie.caron@cegepat.qc.ca
For Ethos
Francesca Rios
Vice-Présidente, Opérations
Co-fondatrice
francesca.rios@ethos-strategie.com