Time to shine for Sudbury's mining sector.

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: SPECIAL REPORT: GREATER SUDBURY

Sudbury is experiencing a renaissance with its age-old niche in deep mining expertise.

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Small wonder then, the city's strategic plan--its Coming of Age document tabled in June 2003--identified the mining supply industry and the city's extensive mine research capacity as one of Sudbury's five major economic engines.

The rising price of nickel, driven by the booming Chinese economy, has given Sudbury mining supply companies an "opportunity to shine" and be recognized on a world stage, according to Greater Sudbury business development manager Helen Mulc.

The confidence exuded by Sudbury's mining supply community combined with the city's efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive business and investment attraction strategy has service and supply firms feeding off one another.

"Success breeds success," Mulc says.

Engine No. 1: The best mining service and supply cluster in the world

Easily the city's most established cluster, the mining supply and service sector has led to the formation of the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA), boasting a membership of 50 companies from all over northeastern Ontario.

"I think it speaks volumes for the willingness of companies locally to work together to grow their operations," says Mulc.

The subsequent launch of the Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal by Northern Ontario Business' parent company, Laurentian Publishing, has allowed local companies to promote their accomplishments and projects worldwide.

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Inco's new $120-million oxygen plant, Falconbridge's high-grade Nickel Rim project, Wallbridge Mining's $2.5-million drilling program and FNX-Dynatec's discovery of new mineral reserves in formerly padlocked Inco mines have all benefited from exposure in the quarterly magazine.

The Walden Industrial Park in Sudbury's west end has seen 10 additional lots sold to local suppliers to expand their operations, with a minimum of 50,000 square feet of new construction in 2005.

A conscious effort was made to brand the Sudbury name at MINExpo International in Las Vegas last September. Mulc says the city's efforts made a strong impression among 36,000 delegates in highlighting Sudbury's base of companies.

"We have noticed a significant increase in (international) companies looking to set up Canadian operations."

The city has recently hosted South African and Chilean trade delegations searching for local distributors and joint-venture opportunities.

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