MacLean Engineering (“MacLean”) today announced that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has committed $2.5 million in funding to support the company’s battery-electric vehicle (BEV) research and development program. The announcement was made during the Canadian Critical Minerals Forum at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2026 Convention in Toronto. 

The federal investment is being delivered through NRCan’s Mining Decarbonization Demonstration Call under the Energy Innovation Program and will accelerate commercialization of MacLean’s GR8 EV Grader, the inaugural model for the newly created Surface Mining Vehicle division. 

In September 2024 at MINExpo, MacLean and Fortescue co-announced the development of a fleet of GR8 EV Graders for Fortescue’s Western Australia operations. 

The funding announcement was made by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources , alongside MacLean Engineering President Stella Holloway. 

The funding for MacLean Engineering, based in Collingwood, Ontario, will support the design and development of the MacLean GR8 EV Graders to support mining operations in Canada and the broader mining industry, commencing with Fortescue in Western Australia. NRCan’s investment will help advance the commercialization of the MacLean GR8 EV Grader, a novel Canadian clean technology product with global applications across the surface mining sector. 

“Research and development are essential to building the responsible and reliable critical mineral supply chains that power clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence readiness,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “By supporting innovative projects like those led by MacLean Engineering, we are strengthening Canada’s leadership in technologies that reduce environmental impacts, improve productivity and build long‑term economic and security resilience.” 

“This investment from Natural Resources Canada is a powerful endorsement of Canadian innovation and manufacturing,” said Stella Holloway, President of MacLean Engineering. “As a proudly Canadian company, we are focused on growing our capabilities here at home while delivering sustainable mining solutions to customers around the world. NRCan’s support accelerates the commercialization of our battery-electric technologies and enables us to move faster in building our new Surface Mining Vehicle Division. Together, we are advancing practical electrification pathways that strengthen Canada’s critical minerals supply chain and position Canadian clean technology on the global stage.” UNCLASSIFIED - NON CLASSIFIÉ 

MacLean Advancing Surface Mining Electrification 

MacLean launched its Surface Mining Vehicle Division, extending more than 50 years of underground mining equipment leadership—and over a decade of BEV expertise—into the surface mining sector. The division continues MacLean’s long-standing commitment to safe, innovative, and fit-for-purpose solutions that help mining operations operate more efficiently while reducing emissions. 

The division commenced with the introduction of the GR8 EV Grader, an 18-foot blade, battery-electric pit-class grader that has been engineered to support mining companies advancing their decarbonization strategies. 

MacLean’s Surface Mining Vehicle division was created to meet the challenges facing the surface mining sector by combining: 

• Real-world customer feedback 
• Proven engineering and BEV expertise 
• Flexible and rapid deployment electrification strategies 
• Collaborative co-development partnerships 

“Surface mining operations worldwide are seeking practical, lower-risk pathways to reduce emissions without compromising productivity or total cost of ownership”, said David Jacques, Vice President of Engineering and Surface Mining Vehicles. “MacLean has risen to the occasion with the GR8 EV Grader and looks to develop other viable ancillary equipment solutions.” 

As global demand for critical minerals grows, MacLean remains focused on expanding its surface mining BEV portfolio and supporting the evolving needs of modern, low-emission mine sites worldwide.