A major new energy project is set to improve power reliability and sustainability in the Algoma District of Ontario, Canada, after Batchewana First Nation (BFN) and Alamos Gold Inc. announced a partnership and the start of construction on a new C$70 million ($51 million), 115-kV transmission line.

This critical infrastructure will strengthen the electrical network in the Algoma district and deliver long-term grid electricity to Alamos’ Island Gold District, the companies say.

Expected to be in service by 2026, the transmission line will extend just east of the community of Wawa to a new transformer station at the Island Gold District. After construction, Batchewana First Nation will operate and retain long-term ownership of the line.

“This project is another catalyst for Indigenous-led economic growth, and Batchewana First Nation is proud to engage in this collaborative approach with Alamos Gold,” Chief Mark McCoy of Batchewana First Nation said. “This partnership demonstrates the success that can be achieved when industry respects First Nation protocols and ways of doing business. By working together, we’re not only delivering power – we’re building a more resilient future for our territories and the entire region.”

John A. McCluskey, Alamos Gold’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “This project reflects a shared commitment to progress, and we’re proud to work with our long-term community partner. Batchewana First Nation has a strong track record of developing energy projects in the Algoma region, and this initiative will be transformative for all involved. Once complete, it will provide the Island Gold District with secure, reliable and clean electricity, reducing our GHG emissions intensity to 70% below the industry average.”

In addition to the direct and indirect jobs created through construction and ongoing maintenance, the transmission line will deliver several long-term benefits to the region, including:

• Enhancing clean energy reliability across the Algoma District and surrounding areas;
• Positioning Batchewana First Nation as a regional leader in energy development and delivery; and
• Supplying the Island Gold District with clean, reliable grid power and reducing GHG emissions significantly.

With an estimated mine life of 20 years, Alamos Gold’s Island Gold District is one of Canada’s highest-grade and lowest-cost gold mining operations, a significant employer supporting the regional economy and a trusted partner with local communities, Alamos says.

The Island Gold District is already well ahead of the industry average on GHG emissions, and through completion of the Phase 3+ Expansion and initiatives such as connection to grid power, which will replace the use of fossil fuel generators, Alamos expects to further reduce GHG emissions intensity by a further 29% in 2027.