Lassonde Institute of Mining’s training and upskilling programs highlighted during visit with Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy
L to R: CivMin’s Prof. Kamran Esmaeili, Prof. Sebastian Goodfellow and CivMin Chair Prof. Marianne Hatzopoulou with MP The Honourable Karim Bardeesy. (Photo by Catrina Kronfli)
On September 3, the University of Toronto welcomed MP Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, for a briefing on the Lassonde Institute of Mining’s (LIM) innovative training, upskilling and research programs.
Mining supplies advanced materials needed for everyday essentials and a wide range of sectors – from electric vehicles to health to advanced manufacturing. The demand for minerals and metals is expected to increase as Canada and the world shifts to a zero-emission, tech-driven economy.
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.
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.
