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Mines.
A great deal of exploration, assessment and consideration of logistical details must occur before a mine can begin operation—and once it does, there are many things that can impact its success. In Canadian Mining & Energy, we look at t...
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Gold mine places BC project on hold
New Gold Inc. is postponing development of its massive $1.8 billion Blackwater gold project in British Columbia for two years due to declining gold prices, which have dropped US$600/oz in the past 16 months. Instead, the company will prioritize development of its smaller Rainy River project in Ontario, which has half the capital cost at $885 million.
Remembering the Hillcrest mine disaster
This article commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Hillcrest Mine disaster of June 19, 1914, which killed 189 men in the worst mining disaster in Canadian history. The tragedy prompted major changes to workers' compensation and mining safety regulations in 1918. A commemorative event was held in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta from June 18-20, 2014 to honor the victims and their families.
An update on the Reed Copper Mine project
VMS Ventures discovered the Reed Copper Mine in Manitoba in 2007 using advanced VTEM technology, hitting high-grade copper mineralization including 10 metres at over 10% copper. The company partnered with Hudbay Minerals in a joint venture where VMS retains 30% and is carried to production, with commercial production expected in Q2 2014.
Rare earth metals critical to Canadian economy
Avalon Rare Metals' Nechalacho project in the Northwest Territories is positioned as the most advanced potential large new source of heavy rare earths outside China. The company completed a feasibility study after investing $90 million and is now seeking off-take agreements and strategic partners to finance the $1.5 billion development.
Prospecting award goes to Saskatchewan uranium discovery
Ross McElroy, president of Fission Uranium, received the 2014 Bill Dennis award from PDAC for discovering the Patterson Lake South uranium deposit in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. The high-grade, shallow discovery has rejuvenated regional exploration interest, with about 20 junior companies now holding significant land positions in the area.
Bulk sample program results prove golden
Pretium Resources' bulk sampling program at its Brucejack gold project in northwestern B.C. exceeded targets by producing 5,865 oz. of gold from 10,302 dry tonnes, 47% above the original 4,000 oz. goal. The company also released an updated resource estimate showing 8.7 million oz. of measured and indicated gold at 17.6 g/t in the Valley of the Kings zone.
Imperial Metals’ Red Chris mine is 70 per cent complete
Imperial Metals' Red Chris copper-gold mine in northern BC is 70% complete with commissioning scheduled for summer 2014. The $500 million project contains exceptional drill results including over 1 kilometre of 1.01% copper and 1.25 g/t gold, with total resources of 1.26 billion tonnes containing 8.89 billion pounds of copper and 12.9 million ounces of gold.
Solid Resources Ltd focusing on past-producing projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions
Solid Resources Ltd is developing iron ore and tin-tantalum projects in Spain with strategic partner Glencore Xtrata. The company's Cehegin iron ore property has historical data showing 65% iron ore with low impurities, while the tin-tantalum project is nearing production readiness.
Bringing reliable power to northern BC
BC Hydro is constructing a 287-kilovolt Northwest Transmission Line from Terrace to Bob Quinn substation, expected to complete in May 2014. The project will supply clean power to major mining operations including Imperial Metals' Red Chris Mine and connect the diesel-dependent community of Iskut to the grid. AltaGas is developing three run-of-river hydroelectric projects totaling 277 megawatts to supply power to the transmission line.
Kevin Loughrey of Thompson Creek Metals retires
Kevin Loughrey has retired as CEO of Thompson Creek Metals after 15 years with the company, coinciding with the successful opening of the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine in northern British Columbia. Under his leadership, Thompson Creek was listed on the NYSE in 2007 and completed development of the Mt. Milligan project in October 2013. Loughrey plans to remain involved in the mining industry in some capacity after taking time to travel with family.
Thompson Creek Metals celebrates opening of Mount Milligan
Thompson Creek Metals celebrated the opening of its Mount Milligan copper-gold mine in central British Columbia on October 8, 2013, after a $1.5 billion investment. The mine is designed to process 60,000 tonnes per day and is expected to produce an average of 81 million pounds of copper and 194,500 ounces of gold annually over its 22-year mine life.
How G8 transparency rules affect Canadian mining companies
Legal expert Alan Hutchison discusses G8 transparency rules requiring mining companies to disclose government payments, noting the regulations should help rather than hinder the industry. He emphasizes that community relations and First Nations accommodation agreements are increasingly critical for project approval in Canada.
Callinex Mines makes headway in a low market
Callinex Mines completed a diamond drilling program at its Gossan Hill property near Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, covering 3,679 hectares with gold-bearing mineralization. The company maintains $3 million in the bank and is positioned to weather the current challenging market conditions with dedicated shareholder support.
Canadian Dewatering L.P. provides full-service fluid-management services
Canadian Dewatering L.P. provides comprehensive fluid-management and dewatering services to mining, oil and gas, and construction industries across Western Canada. The company operates eight branches including locations in British Columbia, handling complex projects like moving 17 million gallons of water over 1,200 feet of elevation at a coal mine near Sparwood.
The life of a coal miner in southeastern B.C.
Jeremy Lane, a 39-year-old heavy-equipment operator at Teck Coal's Coal Mountain operation near Sparwood, B.C., shares his positive experience working as a coal miner after transitioning from running his own trucking business in Alberta. He highlights the benefits of the four-day on/four-day off schedule and the safety culture at the mine.
Yukon Chamber of Mines celebrates 70 years
The Yukon Chamber of Mines is celebrating its 70th anniversary, having grown from 12 members in 1943 to over 400 members today. The organization has evolved from a job placement service to a policy advocacy body that advises government on mining regulations and permitting processes.
Driller finds ancient fern leaf fossil
A Sonic Drilling Ltd. driller discovered a fully intact 80 million year old fern leaf fossil while conducting slope stability drilling at the Peace River Coal mine near Tumbler Ridge, BC. The discovery is significant as complete, well-preserved plant fossils from the Cretaceous period are rare finds even in fossil-rich coal mining areas.
Yukon College celebrates 50 years
Yukon College celebrates its 50th anniversary while highlighting the success of its Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining (CNIM), established in 2012. The centre's first Introduction to Mining Operations program achieved remarkable success with 11 of 12 graduates finding employment, demonstrating strong industry demand for locally-trained mining professionals.
Wolverine Mine achieves full design capacity
Yukon Zinc Corp.'s Wolverine Mine in southeastern Yukon has achieved its full design capacity of 1,700 tonnes per day in Q1 2013, marking a major operational milestone. The high-grade zinc-silver-copper-lead-gold mine processed a record 60,904 tonnes in March 2013 and employs over 365 staff. This represents a significant achievement for the Canadian-based, Chinese-owned mining operation.
The Reed copper project is right on schedule
Hudbay Minerals and VMS Ventures are advancing the Reed copper project in Manitoba's Flin Flon Greenstone Belt, with underground development proceeding on schedule and budget. The company has invested $37 million of its $72 million capital budget, with production expected to begin in Q4 2013. The high-grade copper deposit features a minimal environmental footprint and is located just 100 meters from a paved highway.
Promoting the positives and attracting the next generation
Goldcorp's senior VP of people and safety Paul Farrow discusses the company's efforts to modernize mining's image and attract young talent through graduate programs and technology integration. The company brings in 25 graduates annually for a three-year program providing hands-on experience at multiple mine sites. Farrow emphasizes how modern mining operations have evolved beyond historical stereotypes through improved safety, technology adoption including autonomous truck fleets, and better living conditions.
Linking local business with mining companies in north central BC
The Northern Interior Mining Group (NIMG) has grown from a 2008 economic development initiative to over 150 members, successfully connecting local businesses with mining companies in north central British Columbia. The organization has expanded beyond mining to support all natural resource development, with $64 billion in BC resource projects planned over the next decade.
A colossal company has big plans for B.C.
Xstrata Coal Canada announced plans to develop two major coal mines in northeastern B.C., the Sukunka and Suska projects, expecting operational status within 3-4 years. The projects represent a combined $2.3 billion investment and could produce over 5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal annually each. The company has submitted project descriptions to environmental assessment agencies and is proceeding with drilling programs.
An exciting gold project moves forward
New Gold Inc. is advancing its flagship Blackwater gold-silver project in British Columbia toward production by 2017, with a $1.8 billion investment planned. The project would produce an average of 507,000 ounces of gold and 2.04 million ounces of silver annually over a 15-year mine life, representing New Gold's largest production asset.
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