Energy, EV, Mining research showcased during visit with PA Chris Scott
A visit by Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Energy and Mines allows CivMin’s Professor Lesley Warren to highlight the Lassonde Mineral Engineering program, online learning with Mining Industry Management Program (MIMP), as well as industry partnerships in mineral and mining research.
Left to right: Forrest Parlee (Deputy Chief of Government Relations, U of T), David Black (Senior Consultant – Government Affairs, Siemens), Professor Olivier Trescases, Spencer Page (Manager, Corporate Affairs, Vale Base Metals), Professor Lesley Warren, and PA Chris Scott.
On June 13, U of T welcomed MPP Chris Scott, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines, for a lab tour and briefings on the university’s grid, electric vehicle (EV), and mining research – areas also affiliated with the Climate Positive Energy (CPE) Research Initiative.
Powering the Future: Exploring Critical Minerals, Energy and AI in Ontario’s Innovation Economy
Professors Lesley Warren and Sebastian Goodfellow headlined Powering the Future – Artificial Intelligence, Critical Minerals & Energy in Ontario’s Innovation Economy event at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, exploring the critical role of minerals, energy and AI in Canada’s innovation economy. The session highlighted cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and the need to bridge academia and commercialization to support Canada’s net-zero transition.
L to R: Shari Eli, Prof. Sebastian Goodfellow, Prof. Lesley Warren, Shah Nawaz A. and Shatha Qaqish-Clavering during Q&A session at Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, May 14, 2025 (photo by Galina Nikitina).
The Powering the Future – Artificial Intelligence, Critical Minerals & Energy in Ontario’s Innovation Economy session at U of T’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy brought together experts to explore the intersection of critical minerals, energy, and AI in Ontario’s innovation economy. The May 14, 2025 event began with a presentation by Professor Lesley Warren, who emphasized the foundational role of critical minerals in achieving Canada’s net-zero goals. She highlighted the importance of aligning academic research with industry priorities to support the development of a competitive, sustainable mining sector.
Prof. Lesley Warren, Director of the Lassonde Institute of Mining
CivMin Professor Lesley Warren has been honoured by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) as one of their 2025 award winners. As a CIM Distinguished Lecturer, she is among those recognized for accomplishments in scientific, technical, management or educational activities related to the minerals industry.
In celebration of National Mining Week 2024, CivMin highlights Mining Research and Community. We chatted with two graduate students Lauren Twible and Yunyun Yan to learn more about their exciting research aimed at improving mining practices and making the industry more sustainable.
L to R: Lauren Twible and Yunyun Yan ( photo by Galina Nikitina)
Lauren Twible, a PhD candidate in Prof. Lesley Warren’s lab investigates the role of sulphur and sulphur-oxidizing bacteria in base metal mining to mitigate environmental impacts amid rising demand for renewable energy infrastructure.
New direction at U of T: Mining Futures Initiative
Update for our U of T community: New Mining Futures Initiative complements our Lassonde Institute of Mining, expanding our Mineral Engineering portfolio
Posing for a photo together are (L to R): Professor Lesley Warren (new Director of Mining Futures Initiative – MFI), Rachel Wallace (Director of Business Development and Strategy for MFI), Professor Marianne Hatzopoulou (Chair, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering) and Professor Sebastian Goodfellow (new Director of Lassonde Institute of Mining – LIM). The group photo was taken in the lobby of the Galbraith Building, home to the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto. (Photo by Phill Snel, CivMin)
Dear U of T Mining Community Members,
Mining has a critical and expanding importance in the development of climate positive technologies. At the University of Toronto, we have a significant role to play in mining research, education and workforce upskilling, while also providing leadership to help industry meet demand and sustainability goals. This is a time of transition and disruption within the sector and the University, and we are pleased to share we are evolving to seize this significant opportunity.
