Two Goldcorp development projects underway in Northern Ontario are advancing toward production.
"We continue to be impressed with our team's execution as we advance projects on time and on budget through the permitting and development process", said Goldcorp president and CEO David Garofalo.
At Borden, 200 kilometres southwest of Timmins, bulk sample extraction began in August 2018, two months ahead of schedule, and operating permits are expected by year-end. The mine electrification process is underway, and commercial production remains on track for the second half of 2019.
All mine infrastructure to support production is in place and ramp development has reached approximately 1.6 kilometres in length with a depth of 300 metres.
The continuation of the exploration ramp is leading toward the 420-metre level. The bulk sample extraction will de-risk the project and allow for recovery of 4,000 ounces of gold.
With all operating permits in place, the company will be able to proceed with construction of the remaining critical mine infrastructure, including ventilation raise and secondary egress.
Borden has committed to using new technologies, including mine electrification and full connectivity, with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing safety. Currently, the exploration ramp is using mainly electric vehicles. The fleet is composed of state-of-the- art mining equipment, automated battery/electric jumbos and battery bolters. All service vehicles are electrified, including a conventional grader, which was converted to a battery-operated unit.
The Government of Ontario has agreed to invest $5 million into the deployment of the all-electric fleet.
With all-electric underground mine operations, Goldcorp estimates that operating costs will be reduced by over $9 million per year due to the elimination of approximately two million litres of diesel fuel, and with reduced ventilation needs, a decrease of approximately 32,000 MWh of electricity and a corresponding decrease in propane required to heat the ventilation. The company expects a reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions of more than 7,000 tons, or a 70 per cent reduction over a baseline mine.
On June 6, 2018, Goldcorp announced the signing of an Impacts and Benefits Agreement with three First Nation communities: Brunswick House First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation and Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation.
Meanwhile, a prefeasibility study for the Century project in Timmins remains on schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of 2018.
