About

TesMan Inc., founded in 2003 and based in Sudbury, Ontario, is a mining consulting and product development company specializing in underground development technologies. The company’s flagship innovation, the Tunnel Load Master (TLM), is a robotic system that allows operators to safely clean, load, and blast explosives from a minimum distance of five meters from the tunnel face. This breakthrough reduces risk for workers while dramatically increasing productivity, enabling mine development cycles to advance up to 50 percent faster when combined with tele-remote capabilities. TesMan’s suite of products and consulting services, including precision drilling systems, robotic training stations, and tunnel cycle optimization, are deployed at leading mining operations across Canada.

Project

With support from the CIT Development and Commercialization program, TesMan is completing the design, engineering, and commercialization of the TR9 version of the Tunnel Load Master. This includes command and control software, manufacturing models, and the development of a matched advanced tunneling cycle that integrates the TLM into daily operations. The project will be tested and validated at NORCAT’s Underground Centre in Sudbury, providing real-world conditions for demonstrating the system’s safety and productivity benefits. Strategic collaboration with Dyno Nobel, one of the world’s largest explosive delivery providers, will further support commercialization and integration into global mining markets.

Impact

This project positions TesMan to introduce a globally transformative automation solution that enhances both safety and efficiency. By removing workers from hazardous zones and significantly reducing cycle times, the TLM enables mining companies to access deeper ore bodies more quickly and safely. The collaboration with NORCAT, Dyno Nobel, and other industry partners ensures strong validation and rapid adoption. Expected outcomes include global commercialization of the TLM, creation of new jobs in Ontario, and a strengthened role for Canadian technology in the safe and efficient extraction of critical minerals.