Youth across Canada can now explore the world of modern mining through a new digital game.
The game – Mine Evolution – officially launched on Thursday at the Dynamic Earth museum in Sudbury, Ont. The project is the culmination of years of collaboration between education centre Science North, the Canadian Institute for Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and the Wahnapitae First Nation.
“A video format is a useful way to try to engage with a younger demographic, all while widening the reach the project has beyond Northern Ontario,” Science North CEO Ashley Larose said in an interview with CBC. “Through this game we’ll reach more than a million people across the country.”
Mine Evolution was created to increase awareness of the essential contribution mining makes to society at a time when mines rarely make the news outside of disasters or protests. Yet metals are in high demand for the green energy transition. The industry is keen to upgrade its image and encourage students to enrol in mining-related courses. Statistics have shown geology program enrolments in Canada are at their lowest levels in 50 years.
Science North and CIM want to ensure the next generation understands the influence mining has and how essential of a role it has in building a greener and more sustainable future, they said in a joint statement.
Representatives from Science North, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and the Wahnapitae First Nation launch the game. Credit: Science North
How to play
Mine Evolution takes players into a virtual world where they can collect Earth’s treasures to build mines and upgrade technology all while learning about the important role mining plays in Canada’s green future.
The game, which was developed by D&D Skunkworks, allows players to harness the power of solar, wind and hydro energy to improve their mine and build up the surrounding in-game community.
As the game progresses, players earn financial, social and environmental credits which they can use to grow their operation and become a mining legend. Throughout the game, alerts and helpful tips will appear to make sure that proper mining practices are being followed. The game comes equipped with data and images from real Canadian mining professionals who have contributed to the game’s authenticity and content.
Together, Science North and CIM said they want to highlight the essential contributions mining makes to society, the breadth of careers in the mining sector, and the essential role mining plays in building a greener and more sustainable future.
Mine Evolution is part of Science North’s Go Deeper project. Go Deeper is a project aimed at engaging Canadians in modern mining and critical minerals.
In addition to the game, complementary bilingual resources have been developed for educators to use including curriculum links, lesson plans and activities. Mine Evolution is free to play in English or French on computers and mobile devices.
Users can download the game so it can be played with or without an internet connection. To download, click here.
And here’s a short video on the game:
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