Vale, University of Toronto launch sustainable mining partnership

Multinational miner Vale (NYSE: VALE) and University of Toronto have launched what they describe as a first-of-its-kind partnership aimed at developing more sustainable mining solutions and the talent needed to create them.

To support the partnership, which will focus on decarbonization and the energy transition, the base metals miner will contribute $1.6 million over the next three years to the university. The funds are expected to support sponsored research, training, professional development and research into community engagement mechanisms.

An early focus of the partnership will be improving commercial recovery of low-grade nickel-containing ultramafic ores, including at Vale’s Thompson, Man., operations.

“As our economy continues its transition toward carbon-free sources of energy, the supply of critical minerals — such as nickel and cobalt, among many others — will only become more important,” said Leah Cowen, vice-president, Research & Innovation, & Strategic Initiatives at the University of Toronto. “Through this new partnership, we are keeping Canada at the forefront of innovation, and further strengthening our position as a trusted global supplier of sustainably sourced critical minerals.”

The Mar. 7 press release referred to Vale as Vale Energy Transition Metals – apparently a rebranding of Vale’s base metals division.

Vale is preparing to spin off its base metals unit from its iron ore business in light of surging demand for battery metals. Last year, the Brazil-based miner said it aimed to separate the businesses in mid-2023, a move that it believes will help it increase production of nickel and copper and attract investment via a partnership, public listing or other means. In January it reported interest from automakers, state investors and pension funds, among others.

In the release, Deshnee Naidoo, executive vice-president of Vale Energy Transition Metals, said the strategic partnership with University of Toronto would help accelerate and expand its decarbonization efforts and circular mining knowledge. “For Vale, it means working in close co-operation with leading minds and researchers across a global network to drive innovation, expand the skills of our people and provide new ways to link to the communities where we operate,” Naidoo said.