Goldcorp Building Canada’s First All-Electric Underground Gold Mine
July 3, 2018
Located approximately 160 kilometres west of the Porcupine mine in Chapleau, Ontario, Borden is set to be Canada’s first all-electric underground gold mine, which will be safer for employees and have a smaller environmental footprint.
The company estimates it could save $9 million annually on diesel, propane and electricity. (Shown in photo: one of Borden’s electric underground mining vehicles.)
Borden is a key part of the company’s plan to increase production by 20% by 2021, and is expected to comprise approximately one-third of Porcupine’s production in 2020. Goldcorp expects to begin commercial production in the second half of 2019. The mine has the potential to enhance the long-term economics of Porcupine, where its ore will be processed.
The project site is now connected to Hydro One grid, and commissioning of the battery electric vehicle equipment has been mostly completed, the company says.
Photo source: Goldcorp
