Tag Archives: Canada

BQE Water to help treat and manage mine-impacted waters at Eagle gold mine

Environmental, Mine operation news, Sustainable mining, Water management, , , , , , ,

BQE Water Inc, a leader in the treatment and management of mine impacted waters, has been contracted by PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc in its capacity as court appointed receiver of Victoria Gold Corp to assist with the emergency response and to mitigate environmental impacts caused by the failure of the cyanide heap leach facility at the Eagle gold mine on the Traditional Territory of the First Nation Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND) in central Yukon.

BQE Water’s scope includes recommendations for updates to the existing water management infrastructure to increase the site’s ability and adaptability to treat the present contaminant loading which the infrastructure was not designed for, and to meet all applicable discharge targets.

BQE Water is also responsible for planning and directing the operation of the updated water treatment infrastructure. In its role, BQE Water coordinates all activities very closely with all project stakeholders and interested parties including the Yukon Government and the FNNND.

The Eagle gold mine suffered from a heap leach failure on June 24, 2024.

David Kratochvil, President and CEO of BQE Water, said: “All at BQE are honoured to have been asked to step in to help with this very challenging water problem, and are working around the clock to minimise environmental impacts with our expertise and experience.”

Margaret Dumkee, the interim CEO of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, said: “We truly appreciate the effort by BQE Water to help address the emergency situation at Eagle Mine which is very important to the Nation. We value not only BQE’s technical expertise but also their genuine effort for transparent, coordinated, and holistic approach to bringing the water situation at the mine under control and involving the FNNND citizens and businesses in the process.”

Weir to install ‘largest mill circuit pump in North America’ at Teck’s HVC mine

Base metals, Comminution of minerals, Mine operation news, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , , , , , , ,

The Weir Group PLC has been awarded contracts to supply its WARMAN® slurry pumps and CAVEX® hydrocyclones to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) Mine Life Extension (MLE) project in British Columbia, Canada.

Teck’s Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension Project aims to extend the mine’s operational life by enhancing existing site infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for copper driven by the transition to a low-carbon future. The project is expected to yield approximately 1.95 Mt of additional copper over its lifespan.

A cornerstone of this project is the WARMAN MCR® 760 pump, which will be the largest mill circuit pump in North America when installed. This addition complements Weir’s existing and planned installations of equivalent-sized pumps in South America and Australia.

The WARMAN MCR 760 pump was developed to meet the demand for mill circuit pumps that can handle unprecedentedly high flow rates, minimising the number of operating lines in a plant, and addressing the global trend of declining ore grades that require increased throughput for economical mineral recovery. The WARMAN MCR 760 pump is designed to maximise wear life in arduous mill duties and facilitate easy and safe maintenance, regardless of an operator’s maintenance schedule or approach.

In addition, Weir will supply CAVEX 800CVX and 650CVX hydrocyclones for the MLE Project. HVC, with its experience operating CAVEX hydrocyclones, has chosen this solution for its consistently high classification efficiency, capacity and low maintenance requirements, according to Weir.

The MLE project will be fully supported by the local Weir service centre in Kamloops, British Columbia, ensuring mission-critical equipment at the HVC mine operates efficiently, it says. The proximity of this service centre means any maintenance or support needs can be addressed promptly, minimising downtime and helping the mine maintain its targets. This local presence is crucial for the mine’s operations, providing reliable access to necessary parts and expert service.

Quinton Sutherland, Weir, Divisional Senior Product Manager, Pumps said: “Weir has a proven track record of supplying and supporting the largest, highest capacity mill pumps on the market. Designing, manufacturing and supporting pumps of this scale presents unique technical and engineering challenges, which is why Weir’s team of experts, drawing on decades of experience supporting customers across the globe, are the best choice when deciding who to trust with the most critical mill circuit operations.

“It’s an engineering and manufacturing feat that’s not easily replicable, which is why it’s important that we can demonstrate to our customers that we’ve done this before, and they know that they can have absolute confidence in us.”

Phil Blondin, Weir, Director, Capital Sales North America, added: “Weir prioritises being close to our customers wherever they are in the world. We have a service centre in Kamloops – a close drive to HVC – and a local team that can provide service and maintenance support, as
well as an inventory program that encompasses the lifecycle of the products we supply.

“This is the first mill pump this large in North America and, while Weir has manufactured and installed pumps this size in other parts of the world, we recognise that having a service network to support customers at every stage of the project is an essential part of what we’re offering.”

Stantec engaged by West Kitikmeot Resources to work on Nunavut infrastructure project

Environmental, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , , ,

Stantec has been selected by West Kitikmeot Resources Ltd (WKR) to continue advancing the engineering and environmental consulting services for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project in Nunavut, Canada, infrastructure expected to boost the region’s mining prospects.

The project will allow direct access to the Northwest Passage and bring economic benefits to the north of Canada, Stantec says.

WKR signed memorandums of understanding with the Government of Nunavut and the Canadian Infrastructure Bank to provide additional financial support for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project. WKR says it is building an Inuit owned and led resources company, developing the Kitikmeot for the benefit of the Kitikmeot Inuit.

Through Stantec’s Inuit-owned partnership, Nunami Stantec Limited, has supported this project since 2016. Nunami Stantec is a partnership between the Kitikmeot Corporation, Sakku Investments Corporation and Stantec to provide environmental science and engineering consulting services to organisations throughout the three regions of Nunavut.

When complete, the Grays Bay Road and Port Project will aim to create a nationally significant northern trade corridor, aiding Inuit and Canadian sovereignty and offering new opportunities by unlocking Canada’s critical minerals wealth and supporting the northern economy.

The project will connect a deepwater port in the centre of the Northwest Passage via an all-season road to Contwoyto Lake – the northern terminus of the Tibbit-to-Contwoyto Winter Road. When complete, the project will provide road access from southern Canada to the Coronation Gulf. This access will dramatically lower the cost of doing business in the region by connecting northern Canada products to markets around the world and unlocking formerly inaccessible critical mineral deposits.

Arlen Foster, Principal and Infrastructure Practice Lead for Northern Canada, says: “Stantec is also engaged with the Government of the Northwest Territories for the southern portion of the road, which coupled with the Grays Bay Road and Port will fully connect the Kitikmeot region – and specifically the Northwest Passage – to southern Canada on a permanent basis. This is exciting as it opens the supply chain, providing access to critical minerals and strengthening Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty. The Grays Bay Road and Port Project will unlock the potential for new economic development in the North, empowering local communities and Indigenous businesses. Moreover, this project will play a key role in asserting Canada’s presence in the Arctic, solidifying our strategic position in the Northwest Passage while promoting long-term prosperity for generations to come.”

The Kitikmeot region, located in the western part of Nunavut, is a vast and remote area that is home to several Inuit communities. The Kitikmeot’s economy is primarily driven by natural resource extraction, including mining and exploration activities, which play a crucial role in the local economy. Additionally, the region holds significant historical and cultural importance for the Inuit people, with traditional practices and knowledge deeply embedded in the community’s way of life.

Angie Bates, Vice President and Sector Leader for Infrastructure and Environmental Services (Canada) at Stantec, said: “The memorandum of understanding between the Government of Nunavut and WKR represents a significant milestone in advancing the Grays Bay Road and Port Project. This additional financial support emphasises the importance of enhancing infrastructure in the North, fostering economic development, and improving access to vital resources for the communities in the region.”

Stantec says it has extensive experience in leading large infrastructure projects with extreme weather conditions in remote areas, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Slave Geological Province Corridor, Kivalliq Inter-Community Roadway, Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH) and the Iqaluit Airport. Now complete, the ITH connects the community of Tuktoyaktuk with southern Canada, fulfilling a national dream of connecting every coast in the country.

Metso strengthens Canada footprint, proximity to customers with Prince George service centre

Mining equipment, Mining services, ,

Metso says it continues to strengthen its footprint and proximity to customers by investing in a new service centre in Prince George, British Columbia.

British Columbia is one of the emerging mining regions in Canada and the new facility will support the growing needs of customers, primarily operating in copper and gold segments, according to the company.

Justin Ayotte, Vice President, Sales and Service, Canada, Metso, says: “The new service centre enhances our ability to deliver OEM-certified on-site inspections, turnkey service solutions and off-site repairs. Strategically located near a key mining region, it enables faster repair times, shorter turnaround and sustainability benefits by reducing transportation distances. We will also offer comprehensive field service support to better serve our customers.”

The centre will service a wide range of mining equipment from pit to port, including filters, flotation cells, grinding mills, crushers, screens, pumps and apron feeders.

With approximately €6 million ($6.68 million) invested, Metso plans to begin construction after the land acquisition is finalized, with completion expected in the second half of 2025. The new center will create jobs to skilled personnel, including service engineers and technical experts.

In late 2023, Metso announced plans to enhance customer service capabilities in North America by expanding the Mesa Service center in Arizona. This expansion will increase the repair shop area by nearly 60%. Additionally, a state-of-the-art and fully equipped training centre will be built on the same property to bridge the knowledge gap between people, equipment and operational goals in the region. Both the service centre expansion and the training centre are expected to be completed during the December quarter of 2025.

Beyond North America, Metso continued to invest in its service footprint. In March 2024, Metso inaugurated its largest Service centre globally in Karratha, Australia. The company also announced plans to expand its service center in Chile and construct a new service centre in Peru.

Metso has an extensive service center network with over 3,000 field services professionals, technical support and more than 40 service centres on six continents. The company has a service certification program and has been consistently investing in its people and service center network to enhance its customer service capabilities.

Agnico Eagle to establish exploration decline, shaft at Upper Beaver

Automation, Base metals, Mine shafts and equipment, Mineral project development, , , , , ,

Agnico Eagle is investing $200 million over the next three years to “further study and de-risk” its Upper Beaver project in Ontario, Canada, with plans to establish both an exploration decline and exploration shaft.

An internal evaluation of the Upper Beaver project was completed in June 2024. Based on this evaluation, the company believes Upper Beaver has the potential to produce an annual average of approximately 210,000 oz of gold and 3,600 t of copper, with initial production possible as early as 2030.

Over an expected 13-year mine life, total payable gold and copper production is expected to be approximately 2.8 Moz and 46,300 t, respectively, based on a 5,000 t/d production rate. Estimated total cash costs per ounce on a by-product basis and all-in sustaining cost per ounce on a by-product basis are expected to be approximately $592 and $733, respectively.

“In addition, the project has the potential to unlock significant exploration potential at depth and within satellite deposits in the company’s Kirkland Lake camp,” Agnico Eagle said.

At Upper Beaver, approximately $50 million is forecast to be spent in 2024 related to the construction of surface facilities, site preparation and the excavation of the shaft collar. Preparatory site work commenced in early 2024 and approximately $15 million was spent in the first half of 2024.

With the total $200 million investment, the company intends to develop an exploration ramp and an exploration shaft to depths of 160 m and 760 m, respectively, to establish underground drilling platforms and to collect bulk samples from the two most representative geological zones of the Upper Beaver deposit. The exploration ramp and exploration shaft will be sized to accommodate the potential production phase and are included in the initial capital expenditures estimate of approximately $900 million. Excavation of the ramp and shaft sinking are expected to start in the second half of 2025.

Upper Beaver is in the township of Gauthier, in north-eastern Ontario, approximately 25 km to the east of the town of Kirkland Lake. The district has a continuous history of mineral exploration and mining spanning more than 110 years and with an aggregate of over 42 Moz of gold produced by various producers.

The mineralisation has been defined along a 400-m strike length from surface to a depth of 2,000 m and it remains open at depth. Total indicated resources are currently 30.9 Mt at 3.47 g/t Au and 0.23% Cu, plus 3 Mt indicated at 4.13 g/t Au and 0.36% Cu.

The mining strategy developed for the Upper Beaver project is to mine the deposit mainly by conventional underground methods, although a small portion (approximately 10% of the mineral resource) will be mined via an open pit. The underground and open-pit mines are expected to be developed within the same time frame.

Open-pit operations will employ conventional methods of drilling, blasting and loading by excavator and wheel loader, with material haulage by truck to the various stockpiles, waste dump or directly to a crusher.

Under current scenarios, production from the open pit is expected to occur from 2030 to 2034 at an average rate of approximately 2,000 t/d, of which 500 t/d will be stockpiled for later processing.

Current scenarios contemplate underground access through a main decline ramp as well as a shaft that is 1,220-m deep and 6 m in diameter. Four main stations are planned along the shaft, including a loading station at the bottom of the shaft. Ore and waste above 430-m depth will be hauled to surface by trucks via the ramp. Ore and waste below 430-m depth will be managed mainly through an ore and waste pass system and skipped to surface via the shaft.

The underground mining concept is based on a long hole open stoping method, with sublevels every 30 m and with stopes to be backfilled with paste and waste rock. The project is expected to use a combination of conventional and automated equipment, similar to what is currently used at the company’s mines in the region. Production from underground, via ramp and shaft, could begin as early as 2030 and ramp-up to an average rate of approximately 4,500 t/d in 2035.

The plant is anticipated to use a conventional milling process, including a gravity circuit and a copper flotation circuit, with a design capacity of 5,000 t/d, an average total gold recovery of 95% and an average copper recovery of 81%.

Tailings will partly be returned underground as paste fill, with the remainder being disposed on a dry stack tailings storage facility.

An agreement with local indigenous communities and environmental permits are in place for the advanced exploration phase of the project, including for the development of an exploration ramp and an exploration shaft and the collection of two bulk samples. Negotiations with indigenous communities are ongoing to establish an agreement for the production phase if a development decision is made. The company is also advancing environmental impact assessments required for the Federal and Provincial approvals and permits that will be required for the construction and production phases following a development decision.

First Sandvik LH518iB battery-electric loader arrives at McIlvenna Bay

Automation, Base metals, Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Precious metals, Sustainable mining, , , , ,

The first Sandvik LH518iB battery-electric loader and supporting batteries have arrived at the McIlvenna Bay project in Saskatchewan, Canada, project owner Foran Mining has reported.

Back in 2022, Sandvik announced it would supply a fleet of 20 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), including trucks, loaders and drills, for the project in what was its biggest battery-electric vehicle order to date.

Among this 20-strong fleet was seven Sandvik 18-t-payload LH518B loaders (since revised to iB loaders), six Sandvik 50-t-payload TH550B trucks, four Sandvik DD422iE jumbo drill rigs, two Sandvik DL422iE longhole drills and one Sandvik DS412iE mechanical bolter.

Foran says the combination of the LH518iBs and TH550Bs will “showcase the next wave of battery-electric vehicles helping support a sustainable, decarbonised future”.

Sandvik launched the LH518iB in March 2023, becoming the first Sandvik underground battery machine equipped for full automation, being compatible with its AutoMine Lite and AutoMine Fleet offerings as well as its Manual Production Monitoring system. Sandvik’s patented self-swapping battery system on board the LH518iB, including the AutoSwap and AutoConnect functions, minimises infrastructure needs and enables the loader to return to operation significantly sooner than ‘fast-charge’ mining BEVs, the company claims.

The 2022 feasibility study on McIlvenna Bay outlined a 4,200 t/d operation over an 18.4-year mine life, able to produce an average annual production of 33,000 t of copper-equivalent output over the first 15 years of mine life. By individual metal, this equates to 17,600 t of copper, 28,900 t of zinc, 20,000 oz of gold and 486,000 oz of silver.

Rio Tinto and Aymium to investigate renewable metallurgical biocarbon production

Energy minerals, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rio Tinto and Aymium have formed a new joint venture named Évolys Québec Inc to, they say, manufacture a renewable metallurgical biocarbon product to reduce carbon emissions in large scale industrial processes.

This biocarbon, sourced from biomass residues, offers an alternative for anthracite currently used in ilmenite smelting processes at Rio Tinto’s metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Canada.

The joint venture will be established on the site of a former pulp and paper mill in Thurso, Québec. The Government of Québec selected Rio Tinto and Aymium to jointly revitalise these assets.

The proposed facility will use Aymium’s proprietary technology to locally produce high-quality biocarbon – a raw material in high demand, essential to fulfilling Rio Tinto’s commitments to decarbonisation. Rio Tinto has already observed promising results with this technology through the use of materials produced by Aymium at its metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy.

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) and Diamonds Managing Director, Sophie Bergeron, said: “Decarbonisation is at the core of Rio Tinto’s strategy, and the Évolys joint venture provides us with a unique opportunity to produce local biocarbon, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of our Québec operations.

“We are pleased to be working with the Government of Québec to give a second life to the former Fortress site in Thurso and look forward to collaborating with local communities and our partner, Aymium, to develop a project that will not only benefit the environment but also reinvigorate the regional economy.”

Aymium CEO, James Mennell, added: “It is a fantastic opportunity for Aymium to expand our partnership with Rio Tinto through Évolys and develop this new project in Québec in addition to our current developments in the United States. Aymium is actively offering their products to several customers in Canada, and we see a great potential to expand the usage of biocarbon across many industries.”

Québec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; Minister for Regional Economic Development; and Minister for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region, Pierre Fitzgibbon, said: “The Évolys Québec project will enable a sustainable revival of the former Fortress site. It’s a new beginning with a technology that both decarbonizes our economy and adds value to the region’s forest residues.

Évolys will lease the portion of the pulp and paper mill that will be revitalised. Both partners are committed to advancing products and technologies that go beyond the conventional use of biocarbon as a substitute for fossil fuels, Rio says.

In 2022, Rio Tinto formed a strategic partnership with Aymium. In 2023, Rio Tinto further bolstered its collaboration with Aymium through an additional investment. This funding followed a thorough trial of Aymium’s biocarbon as a potential alternative energy source at Rio Tinto’s metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy.

The pulp and paper mill, formerly owned by Fortress, is located in the municipalities of Thurso and Lochaber-Partie-Ouest and closed in 2019. The Government of Québec appointed Deloitte to manage the takeover file and to evaluate the proposals received from candidates interested in taking over the facilities, including biomass already available.

SSR Mining selects ISNetworld to manage contractors at Seabee gold mine

Mine operation news, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , , ,

ISN, a leader in contractor and supplier information management services, has announced that SSR Mining Inc has selected ISNetworld as its primary contractor information management system for its Seabee 0perations, a high-grade underground gold mine in Saskatchewan, Canada.

As part of the agreement, ISN will assist SSR Mining’s Seabee operations with enhancing its contractor management process through all aspects of review and verification, contractor communication and compliance, scorecard creation and ongoing monitoring, it says.

“Through our partnership with ISN, we are implementing industry best practices and keeping worker health and safety at the forefront of our production operations at Seabee by leveraging a trusted process followed by many of our peers,” Ken Worobec, Superintendent, Safety at SSR Mining, said. “Working closely with ISN will enable us to uphold the highest standards for contractor onboarding, training and compliance, which will ultimately create a safer environment for all workers at the Seabee operations.”

Located in northern Saskatchewan, the Seabee facility produces gold doré bars which are then shipped to a third-party refinery. SSR Mining chose to partner with ISN based on its strong presence throughout the canadian industry and experience providing best-in-class capabilities and insights through its contractor management platform, including the ability to manage the qualifications and mobilisation of workers, ISN says.

Kim Ritchie, Vice President, Canada at ISN, said: “The addition of SSR Mining to our established base of customers in Canada and across the globe is a testament to our track record of helping organsations achieve compliance and ensure that workers return home safely each day. We look forward to partnering with SSR Mining to meet its contractor management goals, which will contribute to creating a safer, more sustainable environment for all workers.”

Bolting operations with Sandvik DD422iE battery-electric rig commence at McIlvenna Bay

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

The underground mining team at the McIlvenna Bay project in Saskatchewan, Canada, has reached a major milestone by installing the first resin anchored rebar bolts with the Sandvik DD422iE rig, the OEM reports.

This battery-powered machine – which carries out tramming on battery and plugs into the mine grid for face operations – is a multi-purpose jumbo that allows miners to bolt and bore with a single machine. This results in a significantly reduced overall cycle time that supports rapid development, Sandvik says.

Back in 2022, Sandvik announced it would supply a fleet of 20 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), including trucks, loaders and drills, for the project in what was its biggest battery-electric vehicle order to date.

Among this 20-strong fleet was seven Sandvik 18-t-payload LH518B loaders, six Sandvik 50-t-payload TH550B trucks, four Sandvik DD422iE jumbo drill rigs, two Sandvik DL422iE longhole drills and one Sandvik DS412iE mechanical bolter.

The owner of the mine, Foran Mining, is putting these machines to work alongside help from contractor Procon Mining and Tunnelling.

Raglan Mine extends operations for another two decades with Anuri

Base metals, Mine operation news, Mineral project development, , , , , , , ,

Raglan Mine, part of Glencore, has officially inaugurated the Anuri Mine, from its Sivumut mining project, which has been under development for over 10 years.

This event marks an important milestone in the pursuit of its mining operations in Nunavik and highlights its ongoing commitment to the local communities that welcome its operations, it said.

Anuri is one of the largest mining investments in Quebec, Canada, in the last decade. It is anticipated that it will lengthen Raglan Mine’s life of operations for at least 20 years.

Pierre Barette, Vice President of Raglan Mine, said: “We expect that our mining activities, initially forecast to last 25 years, will be significantly extended thanks to the Anuri mine. This is a huge success for our 1,400 employees, our Inuit partners and our business partners.”

More than 60 Raglan Mine employees helped find a name for the new mine. The final choice, Anuri, was selected by the members of the Raglan Committee and means ‘wind’ in Inuktitut. It reflects the change, vigour and evolution that this new phase represents for Raglan Mine and its Inuit partners, Raglan said.

Jean-François Verret, Director – Projects, Geology and Exploration, noted: “This project was a challenge on every level, particularly given the pandemic, the Arctic climate and numerous logistical challenges. Nevertheless, we completed the Sivumut project ahead of schedule, under budget and with everyone’s safety at the heart of every step. We achieved this through outstanding collaboration within our team and with our partners.”

The Sivumut project is the outcome of a collaborative and continuous improvement approach, enriched by the participatory process undertaken with Inuit communities as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, in compliance with Quebec’s Environment Quality Act and Section 23 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

As a result of these consultations, the Raglan Agreement with the Inuit of Salluit, Kangiqsujuaq and all of Nunavik was improved, particularly regarding land use, employment, training and the participation of Inuit businesses.

Signed in 1995 and enhanced in 2017, the Raglan Agreement continues to guide the day-to-day operations, ensuring that commitments made to the Inuit communities of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq, as well as to Makivvik Corporation, are respected.

Raglan Mine, involved in nickel mining since 1997, considers the Anuri mine a key step towards the pursuit of its activities in partnership with Inuit communities. Glencore thus continues its efforts to minimise its environmental footprint and maximize local benefits.

Raglan Mine is part of Glencore, one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies. It operates on the northern edge of Quebec, in Nunavik. Its property extends to almost 70 km from east to west, and consists of a series of high-grade deposits, mainly nickel and copper.