In a major effort to lower dependency on underground diesel-powered equipment, Goldcorp is partnering up with Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology on its Borden Lake project to build one of the world’s first all-electric mines.
Goldcorp’s mine, located in Ontario, Canada, is part of the gold producer’s organic growth projects.
The goal is to improve the health and safety standards for mine workers, reduce environmental impact and lower ventilation costs.
“By moving away from diesel and by achieving other reductions associated with the use of clean technologies, Goldcorp can avoid more than 7,500 tons of CO2 and eliminate 3 million litres of diesel fuel, 1 million litres of propane and 35,000 megawatt hours of electricity every year,” Brent Bergeron, Goldcorp’s Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, said in a statement.
Sandvik will be supplying an electric solution and equipment. “We can provide a full solution for development equipment for the mine because of our breadth of offering,” said Business Line Manager of Underground Equipment at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, Dale Rakochy. “It’s a fully integrated battery technology where you don’t have to remove, handle or swap batteries underground, providing improved safety for operators and maintenance crews.”
Sandvik DD422iE, which produces zero emissions, is one of the models that has already been ordered for the project.
“This is truly a mutually beneficial relationship between Sandvik and Goldcorp where both companies have put a plan together to advance the technology needed for the project over the next three years,” Rakochy added.
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