Borden 'Mine of the Future' Energy Innovations

Lead Proponent

Newmont Corporation (Goldcorp)

Project Objectives

This project will demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of three energy innovations in the underground mining sector including: a full fleet of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), a fully automated Ventilation On Demand (VOD) system and an underground mine without a surface compressor plant.

Expected Results

The most significant benefit is the elimination of 1.6 million liters of diesel fuel per year. This, in combination with reduced energy consumption for ventilation and heating, will result in a 70% reduction in GHG emissions over baseline operations. The output of this project will help inform the development of new regulations related to ventilation requirements in underground mines. This project will also generate economic opportunities for local communities (jobs) and Goldcorp has signed a collaboration agreement with 3 local First Nations - Chapleau Ojibwe FN, Chapleau Cree FN, and Brunswick House FN.

The project will be the first underground mine in Canada to replace all diesel mobile equipment, with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

Anticipated Environmental Benefit(s):

GHG Reductions of 6,600 tCO2 annually; Elimination/significant reduction of diesel particulate matter and other air pollutants (NOx and SOx).