Newmont Goldcorp inaugurated the world’s first all-electric underground gold mine near Chapleau, Ontario on Monday.
Described as a ‘mine of the future’ the fully owned Borden Gold Project will use low-carbon energy vehicles, digital mining technology, and “state-of-the-art” health and safety controls according to an article in the Timmins Daily Press.
The project is scheduled to commence commercial production in the fourth quarter this year and will add up to 250 jobs. Operating year-round on a 24-hour basis the Borden Gold Project will produce about 4,000t of ore per day on average per annum.
‘Green’ goldmine of the future
The mine’s underground fleet of electric vehicles will lower greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike diesel, the all-electric equipment will also not generate any diesel particulate matter. As a result, it will be beneficial for employees’ health.
“The miners love working here. They feel better at the end of their shift, they’re not as exhausted as they feel in a diesel mine, so it’s all about health, and it’s quiet with safe equipment,” said Gil Bertrand, safety and training coordinator for Borden.
Also, emissions place a physical limit on the diesel equipment usable below ground. In contrast, electric equipment is non-polluting, and so the mine can have as much of it underground as required.
Reduced energy costs and minimal environmental impact are additional payoffs from the all-electric configuration.
WGC case study
According to a study by the World Gold Council, the electric equipment at Borden will annually reduce GHG emissions by 70% (6,600t of CO2e), equivalent to 70,000t over ten years.
Since electric engines are three times more efficient than diesel, and also reduce ventilation needs, they will reduce energy consumption by 33,000 MWh annually, equivalent to 330,000 MWh of electricity over ten years.
As a result of lower emissions, the Borden project will also require 50% less ventilation compared to a baseline diesel underground mine.
Government contribution
The Canadian and Ontario governments each paid CAD$5 million towards the electrification of the mine in recognition of its contribution to sustainable mining and safety.
Read the full article by Timmins Daily Press HERE.
Read the case study by the World Gold Council HERE.
Maarten VanKoppen, Manager, Energy & Sustainability, Newmont Goldcorp will be presenting on this project at the Energy and Mines World Congress Dec 2-4, Toronto – to download the event brochure click HERE
Feature Image Source: Battery electric bolter in use at Borden underground (Newmont Goldcorp Press Release)