The Canadian government recently stated that achieving the nation’s emissions reduction goals “requires concerted action from all levels of government, individual Canadians, and all industry sectors.”
In this vein, Canada has invested $1.5 million into a Canadian mining company to help the firm leverage technology to utilize cleaner energy sources.
The investment is for IAMGOLD, whose Côté Gold mine will acquire electric-powered dewatering pumps and mobile lighting towers, replacing diesel-powered equipment currently in use.
“This investment will allow us to reduce our reliance on diesel while modernizing our pit pumping with infrastructure powered by low-carbon electricity,” remarked Bryan Wilson, General Manager of Côté Gold mine.
The company will also upgrade the mine’s on-site electrical infrastructure to support these new components, as well as an aggregate crusher that previously powered by diesel.
“These upgrades align with our long-term vision of improving energy efficiency, reducing our carbon footprint, and enhancing the overall reliability of our operations,” he continued.
Côté Gold, near Sudbury, opened in 2024 and has an estimated 18-year mine life.
“Sudbury has a long and proud mining history, and we continue to lead the way in sustainable mining practices,” stated Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury. “Supporting clean technology in the mining sector helps ensure the industry remains strong and continues to drive economic growth.”
Over its 18-year life, Côté Gold is expected to contribute $10 billion to Ontario’s GDP, $5 billion in wages, and provide nearly 600 full-time jobs.
“Mining is at the heart of our region’s economy, and projects like this show how Canadian mining is a leader in innovation,” commented Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“By electrifying operations at Côté Gold, IAMGOLD is cutting emissions while keeping our mining industry strong and competitive,” he added.
The federal investment capital hails from the government’s Low Carbon Economy Fund, which help carbon-intensive sectors work toward innovative solutions with a focus on reducing emissions.
“The Low Carbon Economy Fund is supporting cleaner energy solutions that can decarbonize key industries, like the mining sector,” says Steven Guilbeault, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
“Receiving funding through the Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund has allowed Côté Gold to take a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency,” Wilson said.
“IAMGOLD’s electrification project is another example of how we can advance sustainable practices in key sectors when we work together,” said Guilbeault.