I think it's hugely important. We can look at hydromet, for example, with regard to the commercialization of that technology and the resulting jobs now created in Newfoundland and Labrador.
When we talk about CEMI and our operations in Sudbury, I think what's really working there is the cluster approach that we've taken, and that's evolved over the years. I think it's really helping companies, not only companies like Vale but also in our supply and service sector, to commercialize technology and export it all around the world. It really takes four key components to make that successful.
One, obviously, is that you need to have the resource base there, and we certainly do in Sudbury. Second, you have to deliberately build a supply and service sector that can provide companies like ours with a competitive advantage. In northern Ontario now, there are about 500 companies that employ about 20,000 people, so it's significant. That sector employs more than we in the mining companies do ourselves, so it's very important.
Third, I would say, is having the educational facilities nearby and investing in them to make sure that they're training the next generation of workers, whether it be at our operations or in the supply and service sector. I think there are 75 different training components, when you look at Laurentian University, Collège Boréal, and Cambrian College, that focus specifically on mining. Then, the fourth component, I would say, is R and D, with organizations such as CEMI and MIRARCO being focused and working with mining companies, the supply and service sector, and the academic institutions to really foster and create those technologies that are going to continue to make sure Canada is a premier mining jurisdiction.