Newmont Goldcorp has inaugurated the Borden Gold Project near Chapleau, which is described as Ontario’s ‘mine of the future’.
The Borden mine, which is 100% owned by the company, features advanced health and safety controls, digital mining technologies and processes in addition to low-carbon energy vehicles.
Newmont expects to achieve commercial production from the mine in the fourth quarter of this year.
Newmont Goldcorp president Tom Palmer said: “Borden opens a new gold mining district in Ontario and profitably extends operations at the Porcupine complex near Timmins.
“In addition, Borden’s electric underground fleet will eliminate diesel particulate matter from the underground environment and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“This will help reduce energy costs, protect employee health and minimise impacts on the environment.”
Ore from the mine is processed at the company’s existing mill at Porcupine operation in Timmins, which is 180km to the east of Borden.
Newmont noted that the mine received all permits to operate, and noted that partnership agreements have been signed with local First Nations.
The company said in a press statement: “At 1,000km², Borden’s land package represents additional exploration upside as the Borden deposit remains open at depth.”
The Canadian and Ontario governments each granted C$5m ($3.76m) to Newmont for the Borden gold mine electrification.
Earlier this month, Newmont Goldcorp processed first ore at its Ahafo Mill Expansion (AME) project in Ghana, with commercial production expected in the fourth quarter of this year.
Newmont has built 11 new mines, expansions and projects on four continents over the last six years.
The projects include Akyem and the Phoenix Copper Leach, the Turf Vent Shaft, Merian and Long Canyon, the Tanami Expansion, and Twin Underground, Northwest Exodus and Subika Underground, and the Tanami power project.