Minister Rickford
Leads a charge in bolstering Ontario Mine Development By Kevin Vincent
After languishing for nearly a decade and a half under Liberal party rule as one of the most challenging jurisdictions in the world to find and start a mine, Ontario is back in the game. Jobs are being created. First Nations communities are benefiting. And contractors are flourishing. It’s all part of the Ford government’s strategic commitment to revitalizing one of Canada’s economic powerhouses, Ontario’s resource sector, mining in particular. Since he was named Ontario’s
Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Indigenous Affairs, Conservative MPP Greg Rickford of Kenora has presided over three new mine openings – Harte Gold’s Sugar Zone, Newmont’s Borden Lake, and now, IAMGold/Sumitomo’s Cote Lake Mine. That’s no accident. Since taking office, the Ford government made a commitment to reduce the nearly 300,000 provincial regulations that hamstring Ontario businesses. To assist the mining sector, the government created the Mine Working
Group, a cross-section of industry and community stakeholders, to assess those regulations and make recommendations to Queens Park. Rickford chairs those meetings and Premier Ford has made it a point to attend as many as possible. The ministry has developed a set of policies to aid clients on implementation of relevant Mining Act provisions and regulations. Changes have been made to the Mining Act, including new regulations to promote mineral exploration and development in a manner that recognizes Aboriginal and treaty rights. “This has been a challenging time for this sector in this province and across this country,” Rickford said recently. Rickford said the impact of COVID-19 has had a profound effect on mining operations including production and financing. Speaking at the IAMGold, Cote Gold ceremonial sod-turning event September 11th, Rickford said the project demonstrates the industry’s resilience and perseverance during trying times.
Hemlo to spend $18 million in production equipment Cont’d from pg. 12
ejector box which means it does not need to lift the box to dump it. The jumbo drill software allows it to drill holes on its own, even between shift changes. Foulstone says the company intends to replace the entire production fleet, roughly $18 million worth. That’s over and above the company’s $25 million exploration budget. Aussie contractor Barminco took over the underground operations in early August. The company employs 330 workers including 33 senior personnel who have moved to the Marathon area from Australia, including shift bosses, jumbo operators, and production drillers. “Things are starting to come to-
gether now, we really only commis- well”. sioned the new equipment in late The mine was underperforming in August, so we will see how that 2018 and the Barrick takeover included a robust turnaround plan turns out,” said Foulstone. In early September, Foulstone says designed to boost Hemlo’s slumpwork began on a new access por- ing output. The company is on track tal, opening an entirely new ore- to meet 2020 guidance of 200,000 to 220,000 ounces and thanks to a zone for the company. “It’s the third mining front, which will multi-million dollar investment as come into production in Q3 of 2021 many as 240,000 to 250,000 ouncwhich will take the mine to around es by the end of 2021. two million tons per year, which is The new portal has been designed a pretty big milestone for us,” said to accommodate the newer, larger Foulstone. “It’s one thing getting it haul trucks. approved – it’s another to just start Heading into the fourth quarter of The portal Wesdome Minesthat’s Kiena 2020 gold mine near says Val d’Or, Quebec. a new for anGold operation Foulstone that considering the adjustments for COVID, the over 30 years old.” Foulstone says it bodes well the mine was slightly over budget but mine’s future which he told Mining otherwise, very healthy. Life is “likely underestimated as
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