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Technology.
Advancements in technology used in mining and exploration are allowing companies to improve the bottom line and even revisit mine sites and properties that had previously been deemed unprofitable. And in order to move towards operating wit...
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Caliper builds solutions
Caliper Machine and Hydraulics, a Cranbrook-based manufacturer with 40+ years of mining industry experience, has developed the Soleco LED light tower as an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel-powered lighting for mining operations. The hybrid solar, wind and small-diesel unit reduces lighting costs by 50% in remote locations and cuts installation time from 30 minutes to three minutes.
Trusterra Technologies announces new mobile platform designed to document workplace hazards
Trusterra Technologies has launched ScoopMAE, a mobile platform designed to improve workplace safety in mining and energy operations by allowing workers to instantly document and report hazards. The app features customizable reporting tools, data analytics, and multimedia capabilities specifically designed for large industrial sites. The platform aims to transform traditional safety reporting from siloed, manual processes into an integrated, collaborative system.
$748K to KAST—Mining and metals industry in Kootenay region benefits from investment
KAST received $748,601 in federal funding to establish MIDAS, a metallurgical industry development accelerator in the West Kootenay region. The center will provide downstream metallurgical expertise, digital fabrication capabilities, and business development support to strengthen the region's mining and metals sector.
SATcase provides global communication in remote locations
SATcase, a U.K.-based company, has launched a rugged device that converts standard smartphones into satellite phones for workers in remote locations. The device includes integrated safety features like SOS buttons, tracking, and silent alarms, specifically targeting geologists, seismic workers, and miners operating in areas without cellular coverage.
Integra Gold Corp. launches $1,000,000 crowd-sourcing gold rush challenge
Integra Gold Corp. launched an unprecedented $1,000,000 crowd-sourcing challenge to find new gold targets at its Sigma-Lamaque property in Quebec. The company is releasing 6 terabytes of historical mining data spanning 75+ years to the public in September, including over 30,000 drill holes and 50,000 gold assays. Winners will be announced at PDAC in March.
Surrey’s Sonic Drill Corp wins technology development award
Ray Roussy, president of Surrey-based Sonic Drill Corporation, received a technology development award from the International Mining Technology Hall of Fame for his work developing and commercializing sonic drilling technology. The recognition comes after nearly four decades of R&D and represents significant advancement in mineral exploration drilling capabilities.
Cranbrook entrepreneur invents a solar and wind-powered construction light tower
Cranbrook entrepreneur Mike Hambalek has developed a solar and wind-powered LED light tower through his subsidiary Soleco Technologies to replace expensive diesel-powered lighting systems used at remote industrial sites. The third-generation device provides 480 watts of power for 72 hours and could save mining and oil companies up to $1 million annually in fuel costs.
Imperial Oil to build next generation research facility in Calgary
Imperial Oil has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art oilsands research facility in Calgary that will open in 2017, focusing on improving recovery efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The facility will develop technologies like electrical co-generation and non-aqueous extraction methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. These innovations are already being tested at Imperial's Kearl project, a 4.6 billion barrel deposit north of Fort McMurray.
ColdBlock Technologies Inc. reveals game-changing sample digestion technology at PDAC
ColdBlock Technologies unveiled a revolutionary sample digestion technology at PDAC that reduces processing time from hours to 10-15 minutes while improving accuracy and safety. The Mississauga-based startup uses infrared radiation to heat samples up to 1,000°C while keeping acid solutions cool, eliminating hazardous reagents and providing near-total digestion. The company will begin shipping products to labs in May after five years of R&D supported by partners including Barrick Gold and Brock University.
Drones are ready for takeoff in the mining industry
Harrier Aerial Surveys in Nelson, B.C. is using advanced drone technology for mineral exploration and mining operations. The company operates two specialized UAVs equipped with multi-spectral imaging capabilities that can identify ore bodies by their spectral signatures. This represents the growing adoption of drone technology in the mining industry for mapping, exploration, and stockpile monitoring.
Software firm has developed groundbreaking solution for inspections
Field Eagle has developed an inspection software solution featuring a server-based template builder for machines and tablet-based field application. The technology appears designed to streamline equipment inspection processes in industrial settings.
Completion of Highway 37 power line hailed
BC Hydro's $746-million Northwest Transmission Line has been officially completed, providing stable power infrastructure to British Columbia's Golden Triangle mining region. The 344-kilometre line will serve current and proposed mining projects in an area with 935 mineral occurrences and potential for $18 billion in capital investment. Imperial Metals' Red Chris copper mine is the first customer to connect to the line.
Helicopter surveying used at North American Nickel
North American Nickel identified 50 conductive zones at its Maniitsoq copper-nickel-PGE project in southwest Greenland using a VTEM Plus helicopter electromagnetic survey completed in July. The company has prioritized 12 of these targets for an upcoming drill program and describes the 75-km-long belt as a camp-scale exploration play.
Merrick Mainline project a key link in proposed natural gas export
TransCanada's NGTL subsidiary has signed agreements with Chevron Canada and Apache Canada to develop the $1.9 billion Merrick Mainline Pipeline, a 260-kilometre natural gas transmission line connecting to the proposed Kitimat LNG Terminal. The project is expected to transport 1.9 Bcf/d starting in 2020, pending regulatory approval and final investment decision for the Kitimat LNG project.
SaskPower puts carbon capture technology to the test
SaskPower is implementing the world's first commercial carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at its Boundary Dam Power Station Unit 3 in Estevan, Saskatchewan. The project will capture approximately one million tonnes of CO2 annually, with most being sold to oil companies for enhanced oil recovery operations. This represents a critical response to federal regulations requiring old coal-fired plants to either install CCS technology or shut down by 2020-2030.
3M Canada planning for the mining industries future
3M Canada is developing new technologies for the evolving mining industry, including a polymeric composite membrane for deep, hot mining environments. The company identifies remote ore bodies and commodity price pressures as key trends driving innovation needs, while highlighting opportunities for engineers in the productivity-focused sector.
Diavik Diamond Mine powers up with wind
Diavik Diamond Mine has successfully implemented a $31 million four-turbine wind farm that supplies 10% of the mine's power needs, saving 3.8 million litres of diesel fuel worth $5 million annually. The project addresses energy security risks highlighted during the 2006 mild winter when ice road conditions forced expensive fuel airlifts, and represents a new benchmark for wind generation in extreme cold temperatures down to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
CIM 2014 convention in Vancouver May 11 to 14
The Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) announced details for its 2014 convention in Vancouver from May 11-14, featuring the theme 'Mining 4 Everyone' to celebrate diversity in the mining workforce. The event will include technical sessions, workshops, an expo with 500+ exhibiting companies, and plenary speakers including government ministers and mining executives.
Peregrine Diamonds: where the ice trail leads
Peregrine Diamonds successfully completed a bulk sampling program at its CH-6 kimberlite at the Chidliak project in Nunavut in 2013, hauling 516 tonnes of sample material over a 175-kilometre ice trail to Iqaluit. The operation demonstrates the logistical challenges and innovative solutions required for Arctic diamond exploration, including ice road engineering and collaboration with Inuit hunters for route planning.
Lighter-than-air helium airships can ship heavy cargo to remote areas
Worldwide Aeros Corp. is developing the Aeroscraft ML866, a helium airship capable of transporting 66 tons of cargo to remote mining locations without infrastructure requirements. The company plans to build a fleet of 20 vehicles by 2016, targeting mining and military industries with significant cargo needs and infrastructure limitations.
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.
Diamond drillers association hopes 2014 will sparkle
The Canadian Diamond Drilling Association reports that the drilling industry experienced a devastating 60% drop in rig utilization in 2013, with companies that previously reported record profits now struggling. The association is launching a new Drillers Excellence Certification program to establish higher industry standards and hopes 2014 will mark the bottom of the downturn cycle.
Mining thought leader overview
Mining Association of BC President Karina Briño discusses industry trends toward increased public engagement and the province's mining competitiveness challenges. BC is targeting eight new mines by 2015 with 30 potential projects worth $30 billion under consideration.
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.
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