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Safety.
Canada continues to set the standard for the rest of the world when it comes to operating safely in mining and exploration. By understanding the risks and acting to provide appropriate training and education for workers, companies can impr...
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Natural Forces provides an update on its Zonnebeke and Sukunka Wind Energy projects
Natural Forces announced that construction will begin in the coming weeks on its Zonnebeke and Sukunka Wind Energy Projects in British Columbia's Peace River Region. Each project will have 15 MW installed capacity and is scheduled to commission in fall 2020.
Powering the future
The Coal Association of Canada announced its first scholarship/internship program offering $5,000 and a paid summer internship to encourage university students to pursue careers in coal mining. The association is also presenting awards recognizing industry contributions and community impact at their October 2019 Vancouver conference.
What is Safety New View?
AME and PDAC presented their 2019 Safe Day Everyday Gold Awards to two drilling companies for exceptional safety records, with Major Drilling achieving over 1 million hours without a lost-time injury. The event featured a keynote presentation on Safety New View, advocating for a shift from traditional punishment-based safety approaches to more humanistic, problem-solving methods.
Syncrude settles blue heron court case
Syncrude has agreed to plead guilty to federal and provincial charges and pay $2.75 million in fines related to the death of 31 blue herons near an inactive sump at its Mildred Lake oil sands site in August 2015. The company has implemented enhanced waterfowl protection measures across its operations and shared findings with other operators.
Sandvik and Newtrax partner to provide digitalization for the underground metal mining industry
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has partnered with Newtrax to integrate their OptiMine digital platform with Newtrax's wireless IoT systems for underground metal mining digitalization. The integrated solution will be deployed at select mines and showcased at Sandvik's test facility in Finland in early 2019, with Hindustan Zinc's Sindesar Khurd mine as the first implementation site.
Industrial cybersecurity experts explore advances in protecting energy sector from cyberattack
Industrial cybersecurity experts from government and private industry gathered in Houston to discuss protecting energy sector infrastructure from increasing cyberattacks. The workshop highlighted advances in security analytics and machine learning for better threat detection, while emphasizing the need for greater public-private collaboration in cybersecurity investment and standards.
Can spill response organizations clean up diluted bitumen?
Western Canada Marine Response Corp. details their successful cleanup of a 100,000 litre diluted bitumen spill in Burrard Inlet in 2007, achieving 95% product recovery. The organization emphasizes their readiness to handle future spills with enhanced response capabilities planned for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, including doubled fleet capacity and six new response bases.
Innovation is alive and well at Kal Tire Mining Group
Kal Tire Mining Group has developed four innovative tools to improve safety and productivity for mining tire technicians, including a Gravity Assist System, Ram Mounts, Lock Ring Lifter and Spreader, and Power Cart. The innovations address fatigue and safety risks associated with servicing massive mining truck tires that weigh 5,454 kilograms each and cost $75,000 per tire.
Teleop solutions work to eliminate mine site dangers and inefficiencies
Hard-Line, an Ontario-based mining technology company, is developing AI-integrated teleop solutions that allow operators to control mining equipment remotely from surface or offices worldwide. The company's technology increases mine safety and production by removing operators from underground hazards while enabling control of autonomous equipment fleets.
MAC releases strengthened tailings management guide
The Mining Association of Canada has released the third edition of its internationally-recognized Guide to the Management of Tailings Facilities, incorporating 29 recommendations from an Independent Task Force following the Mount Polley incident. The updated guide strengthens technical and management components throughout a tailings facility's lifecycle, aimed at achieving zero catastrophic failures.
Shell launches Methane Detection Pilot
Shell launched a methane detection pilot at its shale gas site near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, as part of the Methane Detectors Challenge initiative. The pilot tests Quanta3's continuous monitoring technology, which differs from traditional handheld optical gas imaging cameras by providing real-time emission data. This represents Shell's commitment to reducing methane emissions and improving environmental performance in natural gas production.
A simplistic approach to safety—Jannatec’s JAWS platform promotes underground mine safety
Jannatec Technologies has developed JAWS (Jannatec Advanced Warning System), a peer-to-peer proximity detection system for underground mine safety that requires no additional infrastructure. The system is completing trials with major mining companies showing positive results, with one of the world's largest miners planning permanent installation.
Minister’s statement about Mount Polley investigation
BC Environment Minister George Heyman issued a statement on the ongoing Mount Polley tailings breach investigation, noting the three-year anniversary marks the end of the statute of limitations for provincial charges. Federal charges under the Fisheries Act remain possible with more significant penalties.
RECCO Advanced Rescue Technology
RECCO Advanced Rescue Technology has developed passive radar reflectors and helicopter-mounted detection systems for search-and-rescue operations. The technology can scan one square kilometre in 3-6 minutes and is being adopted by over 800 rescue organizations worldwide, with applications for mining operations and construction teams working in Canada's wilderness.
Fire, cows and a whole lot of miners
The 62nd Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition took place in Kimberley, B.C. on June 10, with Teck's Greenhills operation winning the event. Since Greenhills won for the second consecutive year, the second-place Elkview team will advance to the Western Region Mine Rescue Competition in September.
Extreme construction: Mountain edition
Axis Mountain Technical Inc., a specialized mountain construction company founded in 2013, has built strong relationships with mining companies including Pretivm Resources through challenging construction projects at remote mountain sites. The company specializes in extreme construction work requiring helicopter access and has completed major projects at the Brucejack mine including microwave tower installation and avalanche control systems.
Gaping holes revealed in Arctic oil-spill response plans
WWF-Canada released reports revealing major gaps in Arctic oil spill response preparedness, with remote communities lacking basic equipment, training, and reliable communications. The research found response times can be over 10 times longer than southern waters, leaving Arctic communities vulnerable as shipping traffic increases.
“CanaPux” – converting crude oil to solid pellets touted by CN
CN Rail has filed a patent for CanaPux technology that converts oil sands bitumen into solid pellets wrapped in polymer for safer rail transport. The pellets are designed not to explode, leak, or sink if spilled, and can be easily retrieved in case of accidents.
Goldcorp debuts “all-electric” mine—eliminates diesel usage
Goldcorp is developing Canada's first all-electric underground mine at its Borden Gold project, partnering with Sandvik Mining and MacLean Engineering to eliminate diesel usage. The initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 tons of CO2 annually and decrease ventilation requirements by 50%. The first battery-powered equipment is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2017.
Shift Rescue breathes new life into mining industry
Focus FS launched Shift Rescue, a digital mine rescue incident application, at the 10th International Mine Rescue Competition in Sudbury. The software digitally captures critical rescue data including team information, maps, photos, and reports for both training and real-life rescue events. The product was developed with Ontario Mine Rescue and deployed during the competition featuring 27 teams from 13 nations.
The Halo Light guides the way
Illumagear's Halo Light is a safety lighting system that mounts on hard hats to provide 360-degree illumination for industrial workers. The device offers 276 lumens of light, 12-hour battery life, and visibility up to a quarter-mile away to enhance workplace safety.
Canadian institute helps developing countries get maximum mining benefit
The Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI), a Vancouver-based coalition of three universities, works to help developing countries maximize benefits from natural resource extraction through education and governance programs. The organization is currently implementing projects in Ecuador, Mongolia, Peru, and West Africa to improve mining practices and regulatory frameworks.
Global mining sector prepares to meet with renewable energy leaders in Toronto
Energy and Mines World Congress brings together over 40 senior mining leaders with renewable energy experts in Toronto on November 21-22, 2016. The event focuses on collaboration between mining and renewables to reduce energy costs and carbon exposure, featuring case studies from global mining operators including Goldcorp, Barrick Gold, and Newmont.
MAC’s tailings management requirements strengthened
The Mining Association of Canada has strengthened its mandatory Towards Sustainable Mining tailings management requirements following the 2014 Mount Polley incident. MAC's Board accepted amendments based on 29 recommendations from an independent Task Force, with additional changes expected in November 2016.