Kirkland Lake Gold bolsters BEV fleet with two new Artisan A10 LHDs

Posted by Paul Moore on 17th May 2020
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology says it has recently delivered two Artisan A10 LHDs to Kirkland Lake Gold’s Macassa mine in Ontario, Canada. Macassa was one of the pioneers in the use of BEVs in mining & the machines join an extensive existing battery fleet, including other Artisan machines.Sandvik says the Artisan A10 “is the most capable loader in its size class”, with a carry capacity of 10 t and outer dimensions equal to current 7 t diesel loaders. “Packed with innovative design features, the Artisan A10 delivers shorter cycle times through higher acceleration and faster ramp speeds, while utilising regenerative braking to capture energy to recharge the battery.2

The Artisan A10 uses the most powerful electric motors available and a patented lithium-iron phosphate battery system, completely removing diesel particulate matter from underground environments. It is also equipped with a unique battery self-swapping system, speeding up time required for battery change, reducing infrastructure requirements and, most importantly, improving safety.

In its latest Q1 2020 results released May 6, Kirkland Lake Gold reviewed the situation at Macassa which began operating with a reduced workforce in March due to concerns over the COVID-19 virus. Based on high levels of absenteeism caused in part by and the introduction of travel restrictions between Ontario and Quebec, the mine was placed on reduced operations effective April 2, 2020 until April 30, 2020. Essential work that continued during this period related mainly to production, though at reduced levels, as well as water and environmental management. All non-essential activities were suspended, including exploration drilling, sinking work on the #4 Shaft project, work on a new surface ramp and mill upgrades.

Sinking of the #4 Shaft resumed near the end of April. During the period of reduced operations, Macassa operated with approximately 65% of its normal workforce. In early May, the company began a gradual ramp up of operations at Macassa, with the timing for reaching full levels of production to be determined by ongoing development related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included among work resuming at the mine was underground diamond drilling as well as work on major capital projects, with work on the #4 shaft project having resumed in late April.

The #4 shaft is now expected to be completed in one phase, to a depth of 6,400 ft, with project completion targeted for late 2022, over one year sooner than the initial project schedule. The project remains on budget with the revised schedule offering some potential for capital cost savings.

Production at Macassa in Q1 2020 totalled 50,861 oz compared to record quarterly production of 72,776 oz in Q1 2019 and 56,379 oz the previous quarter.