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16. July 2026
Canada Taps Into Cutting-Edge Tech With Groundbreaking Mining Partnership
In a move aimed at bolstering Canada’s position in the mining technology sector, the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) and Marks & Clerk have partnered to provide intellectual property (IP) services to members of the prestigious Mining Innovation Commercialisation Accelerator (MICA) Network. This strategic alliance is designed to help Canadian innovators harness the full potential of their advanced mining technologies, protecting their valuable IP assets in the process.
The MICA Network, launched in July 2021, boasts a robust ecosystem worth $300 million (CAD 421.3 million), backed by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund. The network’s primary objective is to expedite the commercialization of cutting-edge mining technologies, thereby solidifying Canada’s position as a hub for innovative mining solutions.
CEMI, overseeing the MICA Network, recognizes the significance of intellectual property in driving long-term success for mining companies. The president and CEO of CEMI, Douglas Morrison, emphasizes that the value of leading global companies largely resides in their intangible assets – not physical infrastructure or equipment.
“To build globally competitive mining technology companies, we must assist innovators not only in developing breakthrough solutions but also in protecting and commercializing the intellectual property that underpins their long-term success,” Morrison notes. This sentiment underscores the critical role IP expertise plays in the development and growth of mining companies.
Under this partnership, Marks & Clerk has been designated as the preferred provider of IP services for MICA Network members. As a result, these innovators will have direct access to a team of experienced lawyers and agents who specialize in providing legal, technical, and commercial support in securing and managing IP rights. This comprehensive assistance includes:
- Workshops tailored to mining IP issues: Expert-led sessions educate network members on the intricacies of intellectual property in the mining sector, empowering them with the knowledge required to protect their innovations.
- Monthly advisory sessions: Regular consultations between Marks & Clerk and MICA Network members provide personalized guidance on navigating the complexities of IP law and commercialization strategies.
- Joint efforts to measure and share knowledge regarding IP success among network members: By sharing best practices and benchmarking their successes, network members can gain valuable insights into effective IP management strategies, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in the market.
The addition of dedicated IP assistance is a significant step towards strengthening Canada’s control over new mining technologies and related intellectual property. This strategic move aims to safeguard the country’s economic stability and support the management of resource extraction methods and critical mineral supply chains.
By fostering a collaborative environment where innovators can access expert IP guidance, CEMI and Marks & Clerk are well-positioned to help Canadian mining companies transform their intangible assets into valuable intellectual property assets. These assets can then be leveraged for significant commercial advantage, propelling the country’s position in the global mining technology sector.
“This partnership will enable us to provide MICA member companies with transformative IP solutions that support their innovation goals,” notes Kevin Shipley, Partner at Marks & Clerk Canada. “Canada is rich in natural resources and Canadian mining companies are highly innovative and rich in intangible assets – from proprietary technologies to specialized know-how and data and AI.”
Through this strategic alliance, CEMI and Marks & Clerk aim to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, empowering Canadian mining innovators with the tools necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.