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Lakehead University has acquired a Keyence petrographic microscope and mineral element analyzer, donated by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) at a cost exceeding $200,000. This equipment, one of only two in Canadian universities, will enhance research in mineralogy and allow students and faculty to conduct local analysis without traveling to other institutions.

The NWMO emphasizes the importance of scientific infrastructure for environmental needs and training future geoscientists. The facility aims to support research on the unique geology of Northwestern Ontario, with industry applications including lithium exploration. NWMO is also proposing a deep geological repository for nuclear waste, with an impact assessment launched on January 5 and construction potentially starting in the early 2030s.