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Lake Shore Gold is a Canadian gold mining company that has a long and storied history. The company was founded in 2002 and initially focused on exploring and developing gold properties in Ontario, Canada.

In 2005, Lake Shore Gold acquired the Timmins Mine, a historic gold mine located in Timmins, Ontario. The Timmins Mine had been in operation since the early 1900s and was one of the most prolific gold producers in Canadian history. Lake Shore Gold quickly set to work revitalizing the mine, investing in new equipment and infrastructure to increase production and extend the life of the mine.

Over the next several years, Lake Shore Gold continued to acquire and develop new gold properties in Ontario, including the Bell Creek Mine and the Timmins West Mine. The company also made significant investments in exploration and development, with the goal of discovering new gold deposits and expanding its production capacity.

In 2011, Lake Shore Gold achieved a major milestone when it announced that it had surpassed 1 million ounces of gold production at the Timmins Mine. This was a significant achievement for the company and a testament to its commitment to investing in its operations and developing new gold resources.

In 2016, Lake Shore Gold was acquired by Tahoe Resources Inc., which later became Pan American Silver Corp. after a merger in 2019. Today, the Timmins Mine, Bell Creek Mine, and Timmins West Mine continue to be important assets for Pan American Silver, and the company remains committed to investing in exploration and development to ensure the longterm success of its operations.

Operational Mines

Lake Shore Gold has two operational mines in Canada: the Timmins West mine and the Bell Creek mine. The Timmins West mine is an underground mine that produces gold from the Timmins deposit, while the Bell Creek mine is an underground and openpit mine that produces gold from the Bell Creek deposit. In this article, we are going to focus more on The Bell Creek Mine.

Bell Creek mining operations are accessed through a production shaft and portal/ramp system from the surface. The sublevels on 20-23m vertical intervals are established by driving access ramps from the main ramp system. The primary level development headings are mined 4.0m wide by 4.5m high, while the silling development headings are extracted at 3.0m wide by 3.0m high. The primary ramps are typically driven at a maximum declination of 15 percent. The current mining method being employed is longhole stoping. These methods allow for efficient and productive extraction of the ore while ensuring the safety of the workers and minimizing environmental impact.

After ore extraction through the long-hole stoping method, it is hauled to the surface for further processing. The ore is transported through the shaft using skips or through the portal/ramp system via trucks. However, for ore mined at 505mL and above, truck transportation is used to move the ore to the surface. The ore is then stockpiled on the surface before being loaded into the crusher located at the Bell Creek Mill. This process ensures that only the high-grade ore is sent for processing, minimizing operational costs and maximizing profits. The development waste is kept underground, where it serves as backfill material for the extracted stopes, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring safety for workers.

At Bell Creek, all mined ore undergoes processing on-site at the Bell Creek Mill,

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The Bell Creek Mine is equipped with state- of-the-art surface and underground infrastructure designed to efficiently process high-grade ore while minimizing environmental impact. The conventional mill is a crucial component of the processing plant and is responsible for crushing and grinding the ore. It also houses a gravity concentration circuit and a cyanide leaching and CIP gold absorption process. Recently, the throughput capacity of the mill has been upgraded to approximately 6,000 tpd by LSG, which increases the mine’s production capacity significantly.

In addition to processing the ore from the Bell Creek Mine, the mill also processes material from the Timmins West Mine, further increasing its efficiency. The mine also features a crushed ore storage dome and a permitted tailings facility, which includes a polishing pond and associated infrastructure. This infrastructure ensures that the mine operates smoothly and efficiently, with minimal environmental impact, while maximizing production output and profits.

The Bell Creek mine is an important asset for Lake Shore Gold and the Timmins Gold Camp. With a long history of gold production and significant mineral resources, the mine has the potential for continued success in the years to come. By employing responsible mining practices and engaging with local communities, Lake Shore Gold is well-positioned to continue to operate the Bell Creek mine in a sustainable manner.

Local Engagement and Economic Contribution

Lake Shore Gold, being an integral part of the Timmins community, acknowledges the importance of collaborating with local businesses. This strategic partnership allows them to access essential resources promptly, enabling them to operate effectively. The Timmins mining region has witnessed a proliferation of enterprises that cater to the needs of the producers, and Lake Shore Gold is committed to supporting the local economy by prioritizing local suppliers. As responsible corporate citizens, they procure from Canadian companies items that are challenging to source locally. Additionally, Lake Shore Gold includes the indigenous community in their plans for future opportunities, as evidenced by the In-Benefit Agreement (IBA) Agreements with the

First Nation communities of Timmins West and Bell Creek. Environmental Stewardship

Lake Shore Gold’s commitment to eco-friendly business practices is commendable, as evident in its conscientious efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. A specialized environmental team oversees this aspect of their operations to ensure that they adhere to the highest standards of environmental stewardship. They strive to stay at the forefront of innovative technologies that minimize their impact on the environment while keeping their operations cost-effective.

Corporate Ethos and Future Outlook

Lake Shore Gold’s dedication to reducing costs while maintaining its commitment to sustainable business practices is reflected in its corporate ethos. Their openness to new technologies that align with their environmental goals is indicative of their forward-thinking approach. Lake Shore Gold’s continued engagement with the local community, coupled with its unwavering focus on sustainable practices, augurs well for their continued success in the future.

Final Thoughts

There is no denying the fact that Lake Shore Gold has a rich history of exploration, development, and gold production in Canada. The company’s success can be attributed to its commitment to investing in its operations, developing new resources, and engaging with local communities. The Bell Creek Mine, one of Lake Shore Gold’s two operational mines, is a significant asset for the company. Through the use of responsible mining practices and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Lake Shore Gold has positioned itself for continued success in the years to come. Overall, Lake Shore Gold’s contributions to the mining industry and the Timmins community serve as a testament to the importance of sustainable and collaborative practices in the extractive sector.