Overview
Name: Don Duval
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Company: NORCAT
Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Professional Highlights
Leadership and Achievements
- Executive of the Year: Don Duval was recognized as the Executive of the Year at the 2019 Bell Business Excellence Awards, highlighting his leadership excellence at NORCAT.
- Innovation and Technology Services: Under Don Duval's leadership, NORCAT has been acknowledged as a global leader in innovation and technology services, particularly within the mining industry.
Strategic Initiatives and Key Projects
- VR/AR-Integrated Training Solutions: NORCAT has been at the forefront of introducing and deploying Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) training solutions, significantly adopted by the Canadian mining industry. Their flagship VR program was awarded the Education and Training Solution of the Year by the Academy of International Extended Reality in 2023.
- Supervisor and Manager Training Programs: With increasing labor market pressures, NORCAT has invested heavily in enhancing supervisor and manager training to boost productivity and safety in mining operations. These programs saw unprecedented growth and strong utilization rates in the past five years.
Industry Collaborations and Technology Ecosystem
- Underground Hardrock Common Core Program: NORCAT continues to see high demand for their core training programs, both in customized content and curriculum for global mining operators and educational partners.
- Global Mining Technology Innovations: NORCAT operates the world's only innovation center with an active mine, enabling start-ups, SMEs, and international companies to develop, test, and prove their emerging mining technologies. In 2023, NORCAT facilitated over 50 mining operators and supported nearly 40 technology ventures.
Key Technologies and Focus Areas
- Ore Characterization Technologies: Increasingly gaining momentum for their real-time data provision which enhances various mining activities.
- Industrial Fleet Electrification: Emphasizing emerging battery chemistries such as sodium-based solutions and organic material-based cathodes.
- Autonomous Equipment Control Systems: Deployment of tele-remote and autonomous systems improving productivity and workforce safety.
- Data Analytics and AI: Significant investments in AI and machine learning to leverage data for operational improvements and decision-making.
Future Plans and Events
- Mining Transformed Technology Exhibition: Scheduled for May 2024, NORCAT will host an exhibition at their Underground Centre to showcase technologies transforming the industry. This event aims to provide live demonstrations from 50 emerging tech companies to about 250 mining industry executives.
Board Memberships and Team
- NORCAT Board of Directors: Don Duval is a key member of the NORCAT board, alongside notable individuals such as Silvana D'Angelo (Chief Financial Officer), and other esteemed members contributing to strategic guidance and oversight.
Contact Information
Email: dduval@norcat.org
LinkedIn Profile: [Don Duval on LinkedIn](https://ca.linkedin.com/in/donduval)
Company Website: [NORCAT](https://www.norcat.org/)
Don Duval's role at NORCAT underscores his commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and strategic development in mining technology and training. His achievements and forward-looking initiatives position NORCAT as a critical player in the future landscape of mining.
