Powerhouse partnership adds to countrywide list of stakeholders.

Global electrification and automation leader ABB has joined Canada's Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) Network to fast-track mining innovation through cleaner, smarter, and more efficient technologies by opening new pathways for collaboration with Canadian clients on pilot projects, accessing government-backed funding, and advancing automation and low-emission solutions across the country's mining sector.

Launched in 2021 with a C$40 million (US$29.3 million) investment from the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) Network operates with a total budget of C$112.4 million (US$82.4 million) to fast-track the development and adoption of innovative technologies aimed at increasing productivity and sustainability in the mining sector through cross-sector collaboration, uniting mining companies, academic institutions, and technology providers under a common framework for innovation.

With more than 140 years of experience in electrification, automation, and digitalization, ABB operates in over 100 countries from its headquarters in Switzerland, supporting essential industries such as mining, water, energy, and logistics through its Process Automation business and helping clients develop safer, leaner, and more sustainable operations with advanced engineering and digital tools.

Opportunity through partnership

With a mission to modernize mining, strengthen Canada's mineral supply chain, and position the country as a global leader in sustainable practices, the MICA Network brings its members together under four key themes: increasing mine production capacity at lower costs, reducing mining energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, implementing smart and autonomous mining systems, and reducing environmental risks and long-term liabilities.

In supporting these initiatives, MICA not only advances technological innovation but also plays a critical role in Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy, expediting the global shift toward net-zero emissions by promoting clean mining technologies that lower the sector's environmental footprint and support the responsible extraction of critical minerals essential for solar panels, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies.

Through this partnership, ABB reinforces its commitment to sustainable innovation in Canada's resource sector, leveraging its expertise and global reach to help modernize mining operations and equip Canadian firms with the tools needed to meet evolving environmental standards and rising productivity demands.

MICA

By joining MICA, ABB and its Canadian clients can expand their opportunities to deploy innovative technologies in real-world mining through co-developing pilot projects and applying for targeted funding.

Strategic alignment

Since its inception, MICA has enabled more than 250 innovation projects by mobilizing approximately C$115 million (US$84.2 million) in funding from federal, provincial, and industry sources.

Through its membership in MICA, ABB and its Canadian clients significantly expand their opportunities to deploy innovative technologies in real-world mining environments, including co-developing pilot projects, applying for targeted funding to test and scale transformative solutions, and accelerating the path to rapid commercialization.

Driving meaningful advancements in key areas – including increased mine output at reduced cost, lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and the adoption of smarter, more autonomous mining systems that reduce human risk and boost operational efficiency – this collaboration is expected to benefit significantly from ABB's involvement.

"ABB's global leadership in automation and electrification, combined with their strong commitment to sustainability, aligns seamlessly with MICA's mission," said Chamirai Nyabeze, Director of the MICA Network. "Together, we can help accelerate the commercialization of advanced technologies that will shape the future of mining – making it smarter, cleaner, and more efficient."

Echoing this sentiment, ABB's General Manager of Mining North America, Sachin Jari, added, "At ABB, we strive to pave the way for mining companies to operate safer, leaner, and cleaner. We believe our membership with the MICA Network can help break down barriers for our customers locally to explore, evaluate, innovate, and ultimately achieve a better way forward for the industry."