Queen’s University and Northern College in Timmins, Ont., are starting a new partnership aimed at establishing an accredited Mining Engineering Degree program offered at Northern’s Porcupine Campus.

Queen’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has a national reputation as a leader in innovative educational initiatives. Through its internationally renowned programs in geological sciences, geological engineering, civil and mining engineering, Queen’s is known for its commitment to the resource sector. The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining is one of the largest and most respected mining departments in North America. The Queen’s mining engineering program has a reputation for excellence and its alumni have shaped the Canadian mineral sector for nearly 120 years.

“The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is excited about the opportunity to work closely with Northern College to develop what we believe will be an unique mining engineering degree,” said Kimberly Woodhouse, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “It will allow us to use innovative programming and technology to provide expanded educational opportunities where there is a pressing need for engineers.”

Through its world-renowned Haileybury School of Mines, Northern College has been the preeminent mining education provider in northeastern Ontario for over 100 years. Maintaining close industry relationships has led to cutting-edge programming and hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring graduates are well prepared to enter this in-demand field.

“There is strong demand for mining engineers in northern Ontario, and this trend is likely to continue as the demand for highly skilled trades and technology personnel is expected to soar over the next few decades” said Fred Gibbons, President of Northern College. “Collaborating to combine our expertise in mining will allow us to offer this degree-granting program in northern Ontario where the need is greatest and it is a much anticipated addition to post-secondary education in northern Ontario.”

Developing collaborative agreements between postsecondary institutions is consistent with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirement that education be delivered with an approach designed to increase collaboration and productivity. In their 2011 Speech from the Throne, the Ontario Liberals pledged to create 60,000 additional post-secondary spaces and three new undergraduate campuses by 2016.