The University of Toronto has received $4 million each from mining entrepreneur Pierre Lassonde and Goldcorp Inc., a gold producer, to help fund a new mining centre.
The Innovation Centre for the Canadian Mining Industry will be constructed in previously unused space on the top floor and on the roof of the Mining Building, a century-old heritage structure located at 170 College St. The entire facility will be renamed the Lassonde Mining Building.
In 1996, a major gift from Lassonde (DEng Hon. 2001) established the Lassonde Institute and the Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program at U of T. He also recently donated $1 million for mining scholarships.
Goldcorp’s gift will support an academic and research facility within the new centre for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. “We hope to attract and train top talent to ensure that innovation in the Canadian mining sector continues,” says Ian Telfer (BA 1968 Victoria), chair of Goldcorp.
The renovated building will incorporate such green features as rooftop solar cells, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation and recycling. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2011.
The federal and provincial governments have also each pledged $5.5 million toward the centre.
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