The Provincial Government announced the establishment of a new co-operative Bachelor of Engineering in Mining and Mineral Processing engineering program at Memorial University, helping address current and future workforce needs in Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing mining sector.
This $9 million initiative reflects a strong partnership among government, industry and academia. Vale Base Metals is contributing $3.9 million to support the program and will provide future co-operative work placements. Memorial University is also contributing approximately $2.8 million in in-kind support. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute the remaining $2.25 million.
The provincial portion of the funding, provided through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, will support the development and implementation of the new program, which is currently under development and working through Memorial’s academic governance processes.
The investment will help Memorial University undertake key implementation activities, including faculty recruitment, curriculum development, laboratory preparation and student recruitment. The program will provide students with a direct education-to-employment pathway through co-operative work terms and industry partnerships, ensuring graduates gain the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in the mining industry.
The new program is anticipated to welcome its first students in fall 2027 and create a steady pipeline of highly qualified graduates while providing residents with opportunities to pursue rewarding careers in a high-demand field.
This initiative supports the Provincial Government’s commitment to align training opportunities with workforce needs and expand opportunities in skilled trades and technical occupations.
Quotes
“Aligning training opportunities with workforce needs is key to building a strong economy. Through this investment and our partnerships with industry and post-secondary institutions, more students will gain the knowledge, experience and connections needed to pursue rewarding careers in mining while helping address the sector’s growing demand for skilled professionals.”
Honourable Lin Paddock
Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
“This new program is an investment in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. It creates new opportunities in our growing mining industry. Strong partnerships between Memorial University, Vale Base Metals, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the mining sector will help ensure graduates are prepared for rewarding careers here at home.”
Honourable Paul Dinn
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining industry is creating significant opportunities, and a skilled workforce is essential to sustaining that growth. This investment in Memorial University’s new Bachelor of Engineering in Mining and Mineral Processing engineering program will help develop the next generation of mining professionals and support the long-term success of our mining sector. Through strong partnerships among government, industry and academia, we are investing to ensure more people can build rewarding careers here at home.”
Honourable Lloyd Parrott
Minister of Energy and Mines
“Memorial is proud to work in partnership to respond to labour market needs tied to our province’s economic future. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s proposed program in mining engineering is a concrete and timely example of the university’s commitment to being responsive. Support from government and industry partners is critical to the program’s establishment and we look forward to welcoming the first cohort.”
Dr. Janet Morrison
Memorial President and Vice-Chancellor
“Beginning with the discovery of the Voisey’s Bay nickel deposit over 30 years ago, Vale Base Metals has been proud to be a part of Newfoundland and Labrador. As we look to the future, we know a skilled workforce will be critical for the mining industry. Our investment in Memorial University will help develop the next generation of mining professionals and support a strong future for our industry and province.”
Roberto Damasceno
Director, Vale Base Metals Newfoundland and Labrador
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining and mineral resources industry is the second largest contributor to provincial GDP – powering jobs, innovation and growth across the province. With increased mining activity, the need for mining engineers is important to building a long-term talent pipeline. This investment will support Memorial University to offer a new Mining and Mineral Engineering program. We are proud to support this collaborative initiative between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, industry and Memorial University, which will help ensure our critical sector can continue to deliver long-term economic and social benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador. “
Amanda McCallum
Executive Director, Mining Industry NL
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