SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Advancing critical mineral exploration through automation and Indigenous workforce empowerment

EarthEx Geophysical Solutions is leading a transformative initiative to accelerate critical mineral exploration in Manitoba, combining cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to Indigenous workforce development. Post-secondary applied research partners for this project are Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Red River College Polytechnic.

With support from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) and collaboration through the Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems, known as P2INACLE, the project aims to strengthen the mining value chain while fostering economic growth in northern Manitoba communities.

The initiative, titled Advancing Critical Mineral Exploration Through Automation and Indigenous Workforce Empowerment, focuses innovation, Indigenous partnerships, workforce training and long-term mining sustainability.

EarthEx is collaborating with Sask Polytech and RRC Polytech to advance drone swarming operational capabilities for next-generation geophysical surveys. Over the coming months, the partners will focus on enabling coordinated operation of multiple drones under a single operator, improving productivity, efficiency and reducing the need for large field crews, particularly in remote and northern environments. This work supports EarthEx's goal of expanding access to high-quality geophysical data collection in challenging terrain and will lead to a system prepared for field evaluation later this year.

Through P2INACLE EarthEx has received $100,000 in funding from PrairiesCan towards their $1.3 million project. The PrairiesCan funds will support Sask Polytech and RRC Polytech's applied research project to create swarm and mesh networking systems. MMDF is also contributing $250,000 towards the EarthEx project.

"Canada's mining sector is a key economic driver for many of our rural and northern communities and for Canada," says the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development). "Investing in research in Saskatchewan and the mining workforce in Manitoba means local, northern and Indigenous workers and communities can continue to thrive alongside our worldclass mining sector for the long haul."

"Building Canada strong means investing in Canadian innovation and Canadian workers," says the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. "Through projects like this one under P2INACLE, our federal government is strengthening Saskatchewan and Canada's critical minerals supply chain by developing made-in-Canada technologies that make exploration more efficient and more competitive. This work helps ensure that provinces like Saskatchewan can responsibly develop the resources we need right here at home to support national economic growth and long-term prosperity for communities across the country."

"We're thrilled to support this innovative project with EarthEx, SaskPolytech and RRC Polytech to drive sustainable, accelerated exploration of critical minerals in Manitoba," says Sabrina Kehoe, navigator and manager of P2INACLE. "This initiative marks a significant milestone for the P2INACLE applied research network, uniting the expertise and cutting-edge facilities of six polytechnics across the Canadian Prairies."

"This project demonstrates the power of partnership - it highlights RRC Polytech's expertise in drone technologies along with our commitment to building collaborative relationships," said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, executive director, Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. "By working together with our P2INACLE colleagues, we can explore more opportunities and find solutions faster to support remote communities in maximizing their rich natural resource base and build a more sustainable future for generations to come."

This project goes beyond technology. EarthEx is committed to training and employing Indigenous workers in northern Manitoba, aiming to create sustainable careers in geophysics and mining technology.

"Economic reconciliation is not just a goal, it is a responsibility," says Daniel Card, president and CTO of EarthEx. "By combining innovation with inclusion, we are creating opportunities for meaningful participation by northern and Indigenous communities, supporting local employment, skills development, and long-term economic resilience. At the same time, these technologies enable faster and more efficient identification of critical mineral resources across Canada, strengthening the country's resource development and energy transition efforts."

"As Manitoba positions itself as a leader in critical mineral development, projects like EarthEx's demonstrate that progress is strongest when innovation and inclusion move forward together," says Edward Suzuki, program manager for Manitoba Mineral Development Fund.

P2INACLE aims to drive economic growth and diversification through collaboration. It acts as a catalyst for regional prosperity by providing streamlined access to resources for industries, especially small and medium-sized enterprises and larger businesses. By leveraging the expertise and facilities of each polytechnic, P2INACLE offers tailored solutions for commercialization and diversification, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Learn more at p2inacle.ca.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Sustainable Development Goal alignment is one of the ways Sask Polytech is leading the rise of polytechnic education.