About
TesMan is a Sudbury-based technology firm dedicated to improving safety and efficiency in the global mining sector. Their flagship product, the TLM (Tunnel Load Master), is an "away-from-the-face" loading machine designed to perform high-risk development tasks remotely. By removing operators from the immediate development face, TesMan addresses the critical need for safer mining practices as operations move deeper to meet the demand for critical minerals. The firm focuses on transforming mining processes to ensure that operations previously considered unfeasible due to heat and seismic risks become both safe and economically viable.
Project
Through the CIT programme, TesMan focused on the final "10,000-mile" version of the TLM required to reach full commercialisation for the global market. Leveraging the NORCAT Underground Centre, the project involved rigorous validation of automated safety functions and high-resolution industrial cameras in a live, production-mimicked environment. A significant technical milestone included transitioning the TLM to a globally compatible "stealth-based" computer platform and a new operating system. Working with local partner Key Logic, the team successfully tested the machine's ability to operate in high-heat and seismically active conditions, ensuring the technology is "rock-solid" for international deployment.
Impact & Outcomes
The CIT project provided the technical validation and industry credibility required for a small, five-member team to engage with multinational market leaders. Tangible project outcomes include:
Directly following the project's successful trials, TesMan signed a landmark global sales, service, and marketing deal with Dyno Nobel in January 2026. The partnership secured a substantial licensing fee, providing the immediate cash flow needed to infuse capital into the business and finalize all remaining R&D. Supported by new commercial momentum, TesMan is scaling its internal operations to hire additional personnel, increasing Ontario-based capacity to meet international demand. Trials at the NORCAT site allowed the team to mimic hazardous underground environments accurately, validating the TLM's ability to take the labour load and heat exposure off the operator.
"The underground site has been amazing for testing technology in a live mining environment. The UGC team always goes above and beyond: the drift is set up the way we want it; the mine shaft is the way we want it; the electricals are set up the way we want it. It's a very easy process. As a 5-member team, to engage with big partners, the industry needs to see that you have a big brother at our back."
— Claire Steel, Co-founder, TesMan
This project was made possible through the Core5 CIT program, delivered by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).
