MARCH 2022 | VOL. 1, ISSUE 1
Workplace Safety North: New mining guideline for auxiliary ventilation underground
Realizing Indigenous employment goals: Challenges and strategies
NORCAT Underground Centre stays on top with training and technology testing
www.ontariomineralproducer.ca
IN THIS ISSUE Message from the editor – 3 Message from the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Greg Rickford – 4 Boosting your workplace resilience – 5 Timmins continues to realize development – 6 NORCAT Underground Centre stays on top with training and technology testing – 8 Moneta Gold advances to become one of the top undeveloped gold projects in North America – 10
DEL Communications Inc. www.delcommunications.com President & CEO David Langstaff Managing Editor cindy chan cindy@delcommunications.com Director of Online Marketing MIC PATERSON mic@delcommunications.com
New mining guideline for auxiliary ventilation underground – 12
Advertising Manager dayna oulion dayna@delcommunications.com
Reman Center focuses on major powertrain components and comprehensive testing methods – 14
Sales Representative ross james ross@delcommunications.com
Realizing Indigenous employment goals: Challenges and strategies – 16
© 2022 DEL Communications Inc.
Metals Creek Resources: Finding gold amongst past producers and in the shadow of headframes – 18 Legend Mining Contracting – 21 Strike Copper Corp. – A junior resource exploration company with senior ambitions – 22 Standard Machine does it all – 26
All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproducedby any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the informationand is not responsible for errors, omissions or statementsmade by advertisers. Opinions and recommendationsmade by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.
DEL Communications Inc. is extremely grateful to our advertisers for their support in this publication. We invite you to visit their sites by clicking the companies below. Alex MacIntyre & Associates Ltd....................................................... 7 Bit Service Company........................................................................ 13 CMI................................................................................................... 17 G.E. Environmental Solutions Inc...................................................... 4 Legend Mining Contracting.............................................................. 21 Lewis Instruments Ltd...................................................................... 3 Major Drilling.....................................................................................11 Nilex Inc........................................................................................... 15 Standard Machine............................................................................27 2
Message from the editor
Cindy Chan
Welcome to Volume 1, Issue 1 of the Ontario Mineral Producer e-newsletter
B
efore becoming an e-newsletter, this used to be a magazine called Ontario Mineral Exploration Review, Ontario Prospector, Ontario Mining Review… No matter the name, one thing was clear: mineral exploration in Ontario is abundant, and it is not slowing down any time soon. Although we are no longer printing physical copies of our magazine, the content will remain mostly the same – maybe even better. Coupled with our e-newsletter – which will be digitally released every March, June, September, and December – is our website where you can read about what’s happening in the industry. Feel free to visit www.ontariomineralproducer.ca for the latest news about mineral exploration in Ontario. For the first issue, we have curated a number of interesting stories for your viewing pleasure, as well as messages from the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Greg Rickford. He discusses the introduction of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP), a new cost-sharing initiative designed to introduce
SALES
|
junior mining companies with financing their early exploration projects in Ontario, as well as the new Critical Minerals Strategy, which will generate investment and increase Ontario’s competitiveness in the global markets. COVID-19 has been a pain for most, if not all of us, so Mining Family Matters teaches us about boosting resilience in the workplace – something we could all use in all aspects of our lives. NORCAT Underground Centre has been operating since early 2021, serving as both a mining technology innovation centre and skilled labour training and development facility. Read all about it in this e-newsletter. We hope you enjoy the first issue of Ontario Mineral Producer. We invite all interested companies to share their news and editorial ideas with us. To submit a story for future issues of this e-newsletter, please contact Cindy Chan at cindy@delcommunications.com.
SERVICE
|
RENTALS
|
LEASES
70 YEARS OF SUPPLYING THE MINING INDUSTRY WITH THE FINEST IN SWISS QUALITY SURVEY GEAR • 3D SCANNERS (LIDAR) • ROBOTIC TOTAL STATIONS • RTK ROVERS & BASE STATIONS • DATA COLLECTORS • MAPPING & INSPECTION UAVs • 3D MACHINE CONTROL • LASER SENSORS • LEVELS • SOFTWARE • ACCESSORIES
Contact us today for a product demo. www.lewisinstruments.com
WINNIPEG: 1-800-883-9984 SASKATOON: 1-877-955-3947 3
Message from the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
greg rickford
A
s we near the end of another year, it’s important to reflect on recent achievements and future opportunities in Ontario’s mining sector. 2021
markets. Ontario is blessed with an abundance of critical minerals, along with a competitive business climate, worldclass talent, and a track record of innovation. By developing
has been challenging, but our government has remained
this strategy, we will strengthen Ontario’s position as one
committed to our mining industry’s success, launching
of North America’s premier jurisdictions for responsibly
many industry-supporting initiatives.
sourced minerals that support the transition to a cleaner
In July, we announced the Ontario Junior Exploration
global economy.
Program (OJEP), a new cost-sharing initiative to assist junior
It is always an incredible moment when attending a
mining companies with financing early exploration projects
groundbreaking ceremony at a site where a new mine will be
in Ontario. Within days, OJEP received an overwhelming
built. This past summer, I attended a ceremony for Argonaut
response — an encouraging sign that companies are poised
Gold’s Magino Mine Project in Dubreuilville, Ontario. More
and eager to ramp up early exploration projects. Recently,
recently, I was pleased to put shovels in the ground for the
we also launched our new, state-of-the-art OGSFocus tool,
construction of the Greenstone gold mine, joint-owned
which allows exploration companies, mining companies, and
by Equinox Gold and Orion Mine Finance. In just over three
prospectors to rapidly identify areas for exploration.
years, our government has added seven mines to Ontario’s
As more governments and industrial sectors worldwide recognize the economic importance of critical minerals, demand for reliably, sustainably, and responsibly sourced minerals will continue to grow. Governments and businesses across the world are accelerating the adoption of innovative
roster of mining success stories that will revitalize the entire regional economy. These two projects join the likes of Harte Gold’s Sugar Zone, Newmont’s Borden Mine, Evolution Mining’s Cochenour Mine, Pure Gold Mining’s Red Lake Operation (former Madsen mine), and IAMGOLD’s Cote Gold
technologies including renewable energy and electric
Project.
vehicles that require specific minerals. For Ontario, this
Governments don’t build mines – we pull policy levers that
creates an opportunity.
create a competitive environment for the private sector to
This past March, our government announced Ontario’s
thrive and build the mines of the future. That’s why we have
first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy to generate investment and increase our province’s competitiveness in the global
been laser-focused on reducing red tape and regulatory burden for industry. We want to make it easier for mining companies, claimholders and stakeholders to navigate the mining sector. That’s why we passed the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act. As part of this legislation, we proposed several amendments to the Mining Act to increase business certainty and competitiveness, reduce red tape, and improve mining approval timelines. We’ve upheld our commitment to maintaining environmental protections and ensuring public health and safety throughout this process. I am proud of our government’s work stimulating growth and opportunities in Ontario’s mining sector. I am confident that together, we will help ensure Ontario remains a top-tier destination for mining.
4
Boosting your workplace resilience By the Mining Family Matters team
O
f course mining and resources workers don’t necessarily need to be any more resilient than employees in other industries. Lots of workplaces are tough. However, if you’re working away, or doing shift work, or even just working in daily extreme conditions, things can sometimes get you down a little more than normal. If you want to build your general resilience, consider these factors... Work out your values: We all have them, but some of us don’t stop to think what they are. Identifying your core values will help you to make positive decisions and guide your behaviour when the going gets tough. Start by listing all the people you have ever admired (real people, as well as fictional characters from movies and books) and name the specific characteristics you admire. Examples are compassionate, assertive, strong, intelligent, innovative and calm. Refer to your values when facing a tough time professionally or personally. Set goals: Goals keep you moving forward. Short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals help to keep your mind occupied with problemsolving at challenging times. Enlisting the support of a trusted manager, supervisor, workmate, or friend in setting and reaching goals can also help.
Adjust your thinking style: Believe it or not, this is a skill that can be learned. Thinking well is not just about thinking ‘happy thoughts’, but also about realizing you have control over what you think about, and how you think about it. A good thinking style includes positive problem-solving skills, and a generally optimistic view of the workplace and your position in it. When working in a tough or tricky environment, it’s very important not to fall into unhelpful thinking patterns. Common thinking traps are magnifying or catastrophizing (blowing a problem out of proportion), personalizing (making the problem all about you), and over-generalizing.
something, but keep your behaviours
Keep your emotions in check: Emotional regulation is about recognizing your feelings (or emotions) but not being swept away by them. Basically it means recognizing that you are angry, upset, or excited, but keeping these feelings in check so they don’t feel overwhelming. Knowing yourself is important for emotional regulation. For example, know what situations are likely to bring up strong emotions for you.
getting behind the wheel when we’re
Control your impulses: This is like emotional regulation, but refers to behaviours, not feelings. Good impulse control means that you are able to think and feel strongly about
in check. It’s not just about keeping your cool when you feel angry, but also about being able to act assertively and confidently even when you don’t feel confident. Stay healthy: Physical health is important for any career, and especially in mining and resources, which can be more physically demanding and located in harsher environments. And on a final note, take extra care if you’re driving home at the end of a long shift. Remember that nothing is as important as getting home safely. Road safety experts warn us to avoid tired; not to drive when we’re normally asleep; to take 10-minute breaks every two hours; and get plenty of fresh air. Since 2010, Mining Family Matters has provided professional, practical advice to miners and their families around the world. In Canada, 32-page printed guides helping mining families to survive and thrive are available for companies in English and French. For information and further expert advice on careers, mental health, relationships and parenting, visit the Mining Family Matters website at www. miningfm.com.
5
Timmins continues to realize development By Kevin Vincent
H
e’s the man in the middle. As the current mayor of Timmins, George Pirie is in the crosshairs of the enormous activity happening in the massive Abitibi mining region. In early June, Mayor Pirie broke the news that Glencore Canada’s Kidd Operations had confirmed they would be spending $50 to $60 million on an 18-month feasibility study to potentially extend the life of the Kidd Creek zinc-copper mine with the development of what they tentatively call Mine 5 – the fifth massive orebody at the Timmins-based mining complex. “Anybody who knows anything about mining knows that this is a very aggressive time frame. Eighteen months to do that type of study is very aggressive, and $50 to $60 million tells you that Glencore is committed to the orebody and the people of Timmins.” Coupled with the big news in November of 2020 that Timmins’ Mayor George Pirie had worked with longtime friend Tony Makuch of Kirkland Lake Gold to relocate the majority of their Toronto corporate staff to Timmins where they are establishing a Canadian Operations Centre, and a slew of exciting exploration stories since he took office, it is easy to say that Pirie is overseeing the biggest economic boom in Timmins in more than 50 years.
6
Pirie has a lot to be excited about. The list includes Kirkland Lake Gold’s Canadian Operations Centre, the likely extension of the Kidd Creek mine life, Canada Nickel’s exciting Crawford Township project, Moneta Porcupine’s near-term startup east of Timmins, Galleon Gold’s near-term PEA and IAMGOLD’s Côté Gold project south of the city.
land that we sit on right now has untold
The former President and CEO of Placer Dome Canada says exciting niobium deposits in Chapleau and south of Moosonee are also enormous opportunities for the city and region.
they’ve got a program scheduled for
When it comes to the region’s potential, Pirie is a huge advocate of the work being done by the local resident geologist Zeinab Azadbacht.
Pirie is genuinely excited about
“Perhaps the most significant announcement that was made during the last six months was the fact that the new regional geologist in the Porcupine is focusing on rare earths and that’s a significant change from the priorities of the past which were focused on precious metals and base metals.”
had a very positive PEA and we know
Pirie says it’s an incredibly important announcement, because the future of the world’s economy is going to be based on electric locomotion. “Battery technology and rare earths are critical for that to happen, rare earth elements. China controls them right now and the opinion of our regional geologists, the
potential to unlock the secrets of these rare earth elements, particularly within, I believe, the Kapuskasing structure.” Almost on cue, there was a discovery 20 miles just west of Otter Rapids that found lithium and rare earth elements. “It’s got a significant geological signature with it, and I know the fall of this year and we’re really looking forward to those results. It’s a significant change in focus for our region.”
Canada Nickel. “Canada Nickel sits just directly to the north of us and you’ll be very well aware of the fact that they’ve it’s early days, but these are very, very good numbers. “We know this resource just north of Timmins will only grow. We know that they’ve already got chrome with nickel, and copper as well is there. And this resource is just going to get bigger. “Why are we tied into this focus on rare earths? Because of course this rock is hosted in serpentine, the serpentine will absorb carbon. So, there’s an opportunity here now to produce nickel with zero carbon emissions. If you were listening to me at the FONOM conference, May 18, you heard me talk about the potential of what that means – producing nickel in a carbon
“ We know this resource just north of Timmins will
hoping that they give some thought to how they can expand that pit, because
only grow. We know that they’ve already got chrome
it’s 1.3 grams per ton compared to
with nickel, and copper as well is there. And this
that’s being mined at Detour – it’s
resource is just going to get bigger.”
about a 0.75- or 0.5-gram resource huge.” Pirie caps off his comments about the city’s future by re-emphasizing the
neutral fashion. I said that if Elon Musk was here, that he would be ecstatic to find out that this is possible. And it’s possible to do it within the city of Timmins because of serpentine. And we have a lot of serpentine in our region.” Pirie says he can’t say enough about it. He’s cautiously optimistic that this is going to be a huge game changer for the city of Timmins. “If you combine chrome and ferrochrome with nickel, of course, you’ve got the recipe for stainless steel. And again, that’s on our radar here within the city of Timmins. “We’ve got four main platforms in the city’s plan and diversification is one of them and stainless-steel fits right within that diversification along with, of course, upgrades to the rail facilities that we’re all talking about with the port in Moosonee.”
In five to 10 years, Pirie predicts that most people won’t recognize the city’s economy as it transitions to the production of rare earth elements in addition to the production of precious metals.
significance of Kirkland Lake Gold’s commitment to Timmins. “Tony Makuch is from Timmins and he’s a local champion. “You’ll be very well-aware of the drilling that has joined the east and west pit so
“Lake Shore Gold (Pan American Silver) is doing very well. They continue to expand the resource and reserves of their operation and are working very aggressively to expand the transportation corridors that we have within the city of Timmins.”
we can look for decades of production
He says Newmont is moving aggressively into the Pamour Open Pit project and he says he can’t say enough about what they’re doing at the Hollinger pit.
will employ about 200 people.
“The grade of the Hollinger pit is 1.3 grams which is a huge reserve to be mining in an open pit facility and I’m
attract the employees that are going
from the deep Detour Lake pit. And as you know, Kirkland Lake Gold under the leadership of Tony has announced an administration centre that’s being built right here on the junction Highway 655 and Laforest Road that
“They’re doing that because they believe in the city of Timmins, they believe in the people of Timmins, and they believe Timmins will be able to to be required to support these new growth facilities.”
"Proudly Serving Mining Operations in Manitoba for 32 Years." 7
Greg Major.
NORCAT Underground Centre stays on top with training and technology testing
By Cindy Chan
T
he NORCAT Underground Centre continues to move the global mining industry forward with its new surface facility.
Located in Sudbury, Ontario, the NORCAT Underground Centre is an underground operating mine and surface facility, serving as both a mining technology innovation centre and skilled labour training and development facility.
to efficiently meet our client’s expectations – not underground, but with the appropriate amenities in our surface operations,” Major says. “We didn’t really have any bricks and mortar on site. We needed to build a permanent facility, we have a market for it and we have all the right pieces.”
According to Greg Major, director of the centre, NORCAT
Major says the centre has multiple purposes, and a lot is
has operated this property for approximately 25 years,
going on. For example, they offer underground training
but the new Underground Centre surface facility officially
and technology testing. According to the website (norcat.
opened its doors in early 2021. In the beginning, the mine site was primarily used for skilled labour training – which is important – but innovation and underground technology was a complementary and natural next step.
8
the past 10 years. Yet, with this growth came challenges
org), NORCAT is the “only non-profit skilled labour training and development organization in the world that has an operating mine, the NORCAT Underground Centre, dedicated to providing integrated, hands-on and practical training programs for both new and existing miners.” The
“The demand for our programs, services and resources
experiential training programs offered at the centre aren’t
at the Underground Centre has grown significantly over
available anywhere else, such as the Underground Hard
Rock Miner Common Core, First Line Underground Mine Supervisor – Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core and more. On the technology testing side of things, the NORCAT Underground Centre enables startups, small- and mediumsized enterprises, and international companies to develop, test and demonstrate their innovative and emerging technologies. The NORCAT Underground Centre helps to connect mining technology companies, the ‘builders’ of innovation, and global mining companies, the ‘buyers’ of innovation. “The centre comes with tools that now allow like-minded organizations to be in the building. Currently, nine mining technology companies have opened offices in the centre, and many others are taking advantage of the services offered,” Major says. “Organizations are walking into the big mining companies, asking, ‘I’ve got this idea that can help. Can we do it on your property?’, and they send them to us. We’re that link.” Organizations also reach out to NORCAT for recommendations on the appropriate innovation and technology companies to send their way. Next in store for the NORCAT Underground Centre is their new, state-of-the-art shop to support the growing number of hard-tech clients seeking facilities to develop and improve their technologies while on-site, which should be open by fall 2023. “Many organizations are coming in with mining equipment and they need access to tools and shop space. Our client’s feedback is driving our plans to construct a state-of-the-art shop with Wi-Fi, equipment lifts and other relevant tools and support infrastructure to help them grow their business and ultimately transform the global mining industry. We want them to have the full package here,” Major says. For more information, visit norcat.org.
Moneta Gold advances to become one of the top undeveloped gold projects in North America
F
ollowing its successful 2020 drill program, Moneta Gold reports on its progress at the Tower Gold Project, located in Canada’s most prolific gold producing camp: the Timmins camp. Since our last update on the Golden Highway Project in the summer of 2020, Moneta Porcupine – now renamed Moneta Gold – has made huge strides in advancing this exciting project. Now called the Tower Gold Project with the largest land position in the eastern portion of the Timmins Camp with 8.4M
Tower Gold Project. Source: Moneta Gold.
10
ounces of gold (4.0M indicated and 4.4M inferred), the Company is poised to make a huge mark on the Timmins camp. The Project is endowed with established infrastructure including existing roads, powerline, mills, and a local experienced workforce. In December 2020, Moneta updated its mineral resource estimate, which increased mineral resources by 216 per cent year-over-year and added a new underground discovery at Westaway (662,000 ounces). In February 2021, the Company acquired
the adjacent open pit resources at Garrison that increased its mineral resources to 8.4 million ounces from 5.5 million ounces, of which 2.8 million ounces are underground and 5.6 million are open pit. To further expand the mineral resources, one more round of drilling was planned for 2021 to test the extensions of the Westaway underground resource, the extensions and in-pit potential at Windjammer South and 55, the Southwest near-surface resources, the Halfway zone, and the near surface
Tower Gold Project – Resource Long Section. Source: Moneta Gold.
and depth extensions of the Garrcon deposit at Garrison. The Company’s 70,000-metre resource expansion program was completed in October of 2021. Drill results received to date have extended the strike length and have confirmed excellent grades at all targets. Several assays are still pending to be reported on and will be announced as received. Moneta Gold‘s drill program in 2021 produced excellent results and expanded the deposit footprint to over 12 kilometres. In 2022, Moneta Gold will update its mineral resource estimate in Q1 and will also produce an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the entire Tower Gold Project in the first half of 2022. This updated PEA will now include not only the Golden Highway project assets but also the adjacent Garrison assets, which Moneta purchased in February 2021. Moving forward, Moneta will embark on a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS),
planned to be completed in early 2023. The Company is well underway with its environmental baseline studies and has already initiated community engagement programs. The Definitive Feasibility Study is anticipated to begin in 2023.
Summary The upcoming catalysts for the company include an updated and
expanded mineral resource estimate in Q1/2021 and a PEA on the entire Tower Gold Project in H1/2021. Moneta is one of only a few junior mining companies that are exploring in the Timmins camp and is surrounded by major mining firms. Due to the excellent infrastructure and scope of project, this is definitely one junior to keep your eyes on.
leaders IN SPECIALIZED DRILLING
Major Drilling is dedicated to providing worldclass service to our partners across Canada. Contact us to let our experienced teams help you make sure your next specialized drilling project is safe, successful and on time. majorcanada@majordrilling.com
Are you looking to start a career in mining? We're hiring!
APPLY TODAY
hr.recruiting@majordrilling.com
11
New mining guideline for auxiliary ventilation underground Supplying proper quantity and quality of fresh air key to helping prevent lung disease and other illnesses
A
new best practices document on proper auxiliary ventilation in underground mines has been introduced by an Ontario mining industry technical advisory committee that focuses on the health and safety of the underground mining workplace environment. In 2017, mining industry volunteers who make up the Workplace Environment Technical Advisory Committee Workplace Safety North (WSN) undertook the development of a practical guidebook for workers and frontline supervisors about the proper installation and maintenance of auxiliary ventilation in underground mines.
“In hard rock mines, there are various methods for supplying ventilation to the underground work areas,” says Keith Birnie, WSN industrial hygienist and ventilation specialist and committee co-ordinator. “There are several common mistakes and oversights, which lead to ineffective or inefficient ventilation systems.” To make the best use of the available air supply in underground mines, the document addresses the following points: • Focus on auxiliary ventilation systems that provide air directly to the face • Highlight examples of common mistakes • Provide simple and practical solutions for employees and frontline supervisors “The proper installation and maintenance of auxiliary ventilation is extremely important for supplying sufficient quantity and quality of breathable air to mine working areas,” says Birnie, “as well as to dilute and remove airborne contaminants, and to control temperature and humidity of the mine air.”
Auxiliary Ventilation: Good Installation and Maintenance Practices for Miners
workplacesafetynorth.ca
12
“The topic is relevant considering the recommendations of the Mining Health and Safety Prevention Review,” says Birnie. “Workplace Safety North and this advisory committee believe ventilation is an important control strategy for occupational disease prevention and ensuring the health of workers in underground mines.” A variety of factors can cause inadequate air volume reaching the underground workplace. In most instances, the ventilation duct is in poor condition, and basic ongoing maintenance of the auxiliary system is the solution. Workers in the field must have the tools, equipment, knowledge, and materials available to them to be able to solve the ventilation deficiencies.
Frontline supervisors are responsible for identifying deficiencies and correcting substandard conditions with workers in the field. “Although maintenance activities require time and resources, they are critical for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace,” says Birnie. “It is critical for this process to follow in line with mining health and safety’s internal responsibility system – where each and every one of us has a role to play in reporting and dealing with workplace hazards.” Individual companies are required to develop health and safety policies and programs that apply to their specific workplace sites and comply with appropriate legislation. The information in the reference material is distributed as a guide to assist underground mining operations in developing those policies and programs, according to the committee and WSN. Workplace Safety North, the Ontario health and safety association for mining and forest products industries, is host to industry advisory committees that tackle top health and safety concerns. Advisory Committees provide sector-specific expertise. The Technical Advisory Committees within the Mining Advisory Committee include (i) Ontario Mine Rescue, (ii) Mining Equipment, (iii) Safety and Loss Control, and (iv) Workplace Environment (1) ventilation, and (2) ground control). Committee participants are individuals who have demonstrated leadership in health and safety at an operational level and are committed to improving worker health and safety. Please contact your WSN specialist or complete the online application form for more information.
associations in Ontario. Headquartered in northern Ontario, WSN provides province-wide Ministry-approved workplace health and safety training and services for the mining and forest products industries. With health and safety specialists located across the province, WSN and its legacy organizations have been helping make Ontario workplaces safer for more than 100 years. A leading provider of health and safety training and consulting, businesses call upon WSN for expert advice information. For more information, visit workplacesafetynorth.ca.
About Keith Birnie, industrial hygiene and ventilation specialist at Workplace Safety North, helps oversee publication of the industry technical advisory committee’s “Auxiliary Ventilation: Good Installations and Maintenance Practices for Miners” guideline.
For more information, contact Keith Birnie.
Related Auxiliary Ventilation: Good Installation and Maintenance Practices for Miners Occupational Disease prevention resources includes websites, information sheets, conference proceedings, infographics, posters and more. Mining Health and Safety Risk Assessments Visit the Prevent Occupational Disease website at www.preventoccdisease.ca. About Workplace Safety North – Your health and safety partner: An independent not-for-profit, Workplace Safety North (WSN) is one of four sector-based health and safety
13
Test bench.
Reman Center focuses on major powertrain components and comprehensive testing methods
E
piroc’s newest Reman Center has found its home in Sudbury, Ontario.
14
Sudbury’s Reman Center manages the process of recycling components to the newest and latest specifications,
Founded in 1873 as part of the Atlas Copco Group until June 18, 2018, Epiroc develops and provides innovative and safe equipment, including drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment and tools for surface and underground applications. Epiroc also offers world-class service and aftermarket support and solutions for automation, digitalization and electrification. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Epiroc boasts about 14,000 employees worldwide in more than 150 countries.
guaranteeing availability of components, which include a
Epiroc has two Reman Centers in North America: one in Tucson, Arizona, and one in Sudbury, Ontario, which just opened up. This state-of-the-art Reman Center is the newest facility to open, which supports Epiroc’s Reman Program, according to Andre Bertrand, Epiroc’s Business Line Manager for Parts and Services Canada-wide and Reman Program Project Manager. While the Tucson location focuses on surface components, Sudbury’s Reman Center focuses on underground components.
• Complete booms;
“Central Canada has a very strong underground market,” Bertrand says. “If you look at the gold belts, you reach into Val-d’Or, Timmins and Red Lake, and it’s the strongest in the market.”
In today’s market, having secure components for one’s fleet,
product range of: • Hydraulic components; • Axels; • Cylinders; • Radiators; • Transmissions; • Torques; • Boom components; • Boom extensions; • Rotary devices; • Pumps; and • Motors. “We’ve developed everything this program offers because we’ve seen a missing link in the industry,” Bertrand says. “And it’s really around the biggest benefit, which is guaranteed availability.”
making sure they’re operational, is key. Epiroc is keen on not waiting until destruction to have components in place.
Stock. “This is a specialized center that works on continuous improvement. We take components, upgrade them to the latest standards and then go beyond that,” Bertrand says. “If we see a transmission lasting a lifecycle of 6,000 hours, then our goal is to get a life improvement of 8,000 or 10,000 hours. Life expectancy improvements are a big part of our program. That brings a lot of reliability, and in turn for the mining operators, gives them a lower cost of operation.” Their components also help companies save money, providing 30 to 40 per cent savings over new ones.
“We are a certified lean manufacturing facility, but there is lot of detail that goes into every component. Every component is built the exact same way every time, and tested repeatedly,” Bertrand says. Epiroc developed its own test bench, load centers and flows. Every single component that leaves Epiroc’s doors has been tested through its automated program. “We designed our own test bench with a testing program that runs components to their desired state, temperature and optimal load times.” For more information, visit epiroc.com.
15
Realizing Indigenous employment goals: Challenges and strategies
By Jamie Wolcott, Director of Labour Market Information and Gustavo Jurado, Labour Market Economist, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)
I
mpact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) are an important pillar of establishing partnerships between Indigenous communities and mining companies. Failure to meet IBA commitments can erode trust and undermine the very partnership both parties are working towards, making it critical for IBAs to be negotiated not only with good intentions but also with the knowledge that the goals are attainable. For Canada’s mining industry, a growing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) includes building trusting relationships with Indigenous communities and ensuring that community members directly benefit from mineral exploration and mining activities. Accordingly, IBAs typically set goals for mining operations to employ a minimum
16
percentage of their workforce from the local community. Although goals are negotiated in good faith, parties often lack the necessary information to know whether they are in fact feasible. At first glance, it is natural to assume that a particular community — home to many thousands of people — can meet any negotiated employment target with little difficulty. However, a quick glance is not enough to measure the true extent of the labour pool, as several considerations can push or pull on the readily available labour supply.
What is the true size of the local labour pool? Estimating who should be counted “in” or “out” of the potential labour pool can be difficult. It depends on many factors including skills, wages and labour force participation, with each having
an impact on the size of the workforce available for mining operations. Limiting factors can add up quickly. Take the following hypothetical example: in a population of 10,000 people, 65 per cent are of working age and 70 per cent among them are labour force participants. Of these, only 10 per cent are estimated to be in mining-relevant occupations such as heavy equipment operator or skilled tradesperson. The original candidate pool of 10,000 quickly dwindles to fewer than 500 people, many of whom may already be employed by competitors. Other barriers to employment such as the fly-in-fly-out schedule, childcare, familial obligations and disability can further reduce this number. Without an informed estimate of the number of potential candidates, IBAs run the risk
of inadvertently setting targets that are too out of reach. Instead, effective employment goals should be as ambitious as possible while remaining realistic.
Strategies for establishing (and meeting) IBA employment goals To establish more effective goals, mining companies can benchmark performance against labour supply rather than operational workforce size.
a more substantial effect compared to competition, or “growing the slice” alone. One way a mining company can approach this is to partner with local Indigenous communities to deliver preemployment training, such as MiHR’s Mining Essentials program. Mining Essentials uses traditional Indigenous teaching methods to provide the essential and work readiness skills needed to work in mining.
Research from the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) has found the capacity to meet employment targets is ultimately limited by the local labour supply. Any plans to scale up operations are likely to be constrained by the availability of skilled workers, thus it is crucial to have a reasonable estimate of the labour pool most relevant to a project. Yet, employment goals are typically quoted in terms of an operation’s size, which may irregularly expand and contract over a mine’s lifecycle. This can be problematic, especially when there are plans to expand beyond what the labour supply can support. Therefore, MiHR recommends that employment goals be measured in terms of a company’s share of the Indigenous labour supply. Secondly, companies could focus on labour force development in addition to recruitment, as recruitment efforts alone are often not sufficient to address labour supply and skills shortages. Instead, additional emphasis on longer-term labour force development is critical to realizing employment goals. Labour force development means investing in skills and training at the community level to essentially “grow the whole pie” to levels that can support a competitive and sustainable labour pool. This strategy would have
Effective employment goals are critical to building partnerships, promoting a productive business environment, and contributing to economic prosperity in these communities. If you are looking to better understand your Indigenous employment goals, get in touch with MiHR at research@mihr. ca to learn more about our custom labour market analysis research.
The mining industry needed a better personnel carrier. CMI professionals came up with a tailored solution!
CMI-EV 1700
Battery Powered Mancarrier • 48 Volt Lithium Ion Battery System A/C Drive Motor
CMI-EV 1700
• On-Board Multi-Voltage Charging System (110V-230V)
Battery Powered Mancarrier • Zero Maintenance Self-Protecting Battery Management System • 48 Volt Lithium Ion Battery System A/C Drive Motor • 5 Year Battery Warranty (3 Year Unlimited Replacement) • On-Board Multi-Voltage Charging System (110V-230V) • Regenerative Braking System + Opportunity Charging • Zero Maintenance Self-Protecting Battery Management System • Mine Proven Chassis & Drive Train • 5 Year Battery Warranty (3 Year Unlimited Replacement) • Certified Modular R.O.P.S. System • Regenerative Braking System + Opportunity Charging • 100% Electrical Disconnect with Master Switch • Mine Proven Chassis & Drive Train • Additional Safety Options Available Upon Request • Certified Modular R.O.P.S. System • Customized drive profile to meet customers • 100% Electrical Disconnect with Master Switch unique requirements • Additional Safety Options Available Upon Request • Customized drive profile to meet customers unique requirements
The mining industry needed a better personnel carrier. Our expertise, years of experience CMI designs, builds, and CMI professionals came up with a tailored and processes give ussolution! a unique integrates mining and
solutions CMIindustrial designs, builds, andthat integrates can maximize the mining and industrial solutions that and profitability canproductivity maximize the productivity and of your company. profitability of your company.
perspective of our customers’ Our expertise, years of experience and processes requirements. CMI delivers tailored give us a unique perspective of our customers’ requirements. solutions by asking the right CMI delivers tailored solutions by asking the the right questions and understanding questions and understanding the individual needs individual needs of our customers. of our customers.
++innovation + integrity innovation + performance TEL | (306) 975 - 1944 web | cmisk.ca
++performance + expertise integrity + expertise
306-975-1944 www.cmisk.ca 17
Metals Creek Resources:
Finding gold amongst past producers and in the shadow of headframes
M
Metal Creek’s Ontario properties’ biggest attractions are their high-grade drill results, location and history of pastproducing high-grade gold exploration.
has world-class properties in Ontario, Yukon Territory, and
Flagship Asset No. 1: Ogden Gold Project, Timmins, Ontario, Canada
etals Creek Resources (TSXV:MEK) is a Canadabased mineral acquisition and development company focused on exploring future mining
opportunities throughout Canada. The company currently Newfoundland and Labrador. The mining and investorfriendly jurisdictions and rich resource histories of these properties prime Metal Creek Resources for potentially significant high-grade discovery.
• Located between two existing mills belonging to Newmont and Pan American Silver
exploration in collaboration with strategic partners and joint
• Historic highlighted results include: — 210.19 g/t Au over 12.53 metres — 49.96 g/t Au over 9 metres — 1.94 g/t Au over 94 metres — 2.20 g/t Au over 78.85 metres
venture agreements.
• Drillable year round
The company has two key projects in operation: its Dona Lake gold project and Ogden gold project in Ontario. Metal Creek’s flagship projects are well-positioned for advanced
18
• 50/50 JV With Newmont Mining
Flagship Asset No. 2: Dona Lake Project, Ontario, Canada
Metals Creek’s Company highlights • Metals Creek Resources is a junior exploration company
• Option Agreement with Newmont
focused on developing past-producing and world-class
• Past producing mine
gold properties in Canada.
• Drilling highlights by Metals Creek: — 4.08 g/t Au over 20.85 metres — 3.04 g/t Au over 25.05 metres — 3.89 g/t Au over 23.08 metres — 8.07 g/t Au over 7.00 metres • Drillable year round
• The company’s flagship projects include the Dona Lake and Thomas Ogden gold projects in Ontario. • Drill campaigns have found high grades of gold. • Metals Creek has entered into an option agreement with Newmont Corp. for potential 100 per cent ownership of the Dona Lake project. Additionally, the company has formed a 50/50 joint venture agreement with Newmont for the Ogden gold project in the Timmins Camp. • Past-producing gold and mineralization histories prime the company for expansive development plans and potentially high-grade high yield as seen by neighboring projects. • Metals Creek intends on advancing drill campaigns to explore project targets and dive deeper into investor and growth opportunities its properties have to offer.
Metals Creek’s key projects Dona Lake Gold Project The Dona Lake Gold project is one of Metal Creek’s flagship gold properties, and it is located in the Pickle Lake area of Northern Ontario. The property hosts high-grade gold within its widespread banded iron formation structures and leverages favorable mining conditions. This project is Metal Creek’s second option agreement with Newmont Corp. The company has the option to earn 100 percent ownership of the project with the issuing of seven million shares and spending of C$4 million over three years. The company has already completed two successful drill programs for the project. This program’s results have confirmed gold mineralization outside of current mined areas and potentially deeper gold mineralization. Past-producing history on the property indicates the production of 246,500 ounces of gold priced at US$375 an ounce before mine closures in 1994. Metals Creek expects to continue drilling campaigns into depths below current mine workings. Graphic on following page.
19
Ogden Gold Project The Ogden gold property covers eight kilometres of strike length on the Porcupine-Destor Break in Ogden Township, Ontario. Metals Creek Resources and Newmont have formed a 50/50 joint venture agreement on the property, with Metal Creeks as the operator. The property has the potential to mimic successful gold production levels reaching 17 million ounces of gold as seen by its eastern neighbours. Ogden hosts six mineralized gold zones and a historic non 43101 compliant resource of one million tonnes at 4.12 g/t gold.
20
A 2013 drilling campaign uncovered 210.19 g/t gold over 12.5 metres. In 2017, the company reported 4.39 g/t gold grades over 12.45 metres after drilling the target TOG-17-53 on the property. Exciting discoveries of visible gold in the core have prompted additional investment interests and points to fold structure orientations that could correlate to high-grade gold mineralization. Metals Creek intends to expand drilling to explore this project’s potential further.
Legend Mining Contracting
Mine Development
• Complete Sump Construction
• L ateral development
• Sturda Weir Installation
• Ramp development
• Bulkhead Installation — Block and Shotcrete
• Mine Dewatering Systems Maintenance
• Vent Wall Construction
Construction
Rehabilitation
• Sump Construction
• Drift and Ramp Rehabilitation — Ground Support (rebar/screen)
• Refuge Station Construction
• Jackleg/Stoper • Mclean Bolter • Shotcrete
WHAT WE’RE GOOD AT
OUR CORE SERVICES From our front office of skilled and experienced executives and project managers to our highly trained contract miners and in-demand skilled tradespeople, our top priority is delivering expert services to our clients on-time, above expectations, and most importantly – in the safest way possible. 1275 KELLY LAKE ROAD, SUDBURY, ON
705.806.2215
info@legendmining.ca
www.legendmining.ca
• Ore/Waste Circuit — Raise Rehabilitation — Feeder Pan Installation — Diverter door replacements — Measuring box repairs • Shaft/Raise — Shaft rehab — Manway Installation — Raise Widening — Raise rehabilitation
Supply of Labour • U/G Heavy Equipment Operators — LHD — Haulage — Water truck — Construction Miners
21
Strike Copper Corp. –
A junior resource exploration company with senior ambitions Strike Copper Corp. (“SCC”) is a junior mineral exploration company currently focused on defining and monetizing the resource potential of its 100-per cent interest in the Sungold property (“Sungold” or the “Property”) in the prolific Shebandowan Greenstone Belt in Northwestern Ontario, approximately 110 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Sungold is adjacent to Goldshore Resources’ Moss Lake property, which hosts historical resources of 4.0 million oz. Au. Goldshore acquired their property from Wesdome Gold
22
Mines Ltd. in May 2021 in a $57-million transaction and it is now being actively explored by Goldshore with encouraging results (note: all information re Goldshore is sourced from their website and Strike Copper Corp. disclaims any responsibility for that content). Sungold includes the massive sulphide Wye Lake occurrence and the southwest extension of Goldshore’s Hamlin IOCG (iron oxide-coppergold-uranium) deposit, which has the potential for Ni-Cu-PGE and Porphyry Cu mineralization.
In 2005, backhoe trenching of the Wye Lake Zone intermittently exposed massive, semi-massive and stringer sulphides contributing to an IPV of approximately $54 million at the time for the then owner of the property (Freewest Resources). Highlighting the trenching program was the uncovering of massive zinccopper mineralization at two locales, situated 400 metres apart and on strike with each other. Specifically, assays of up to 27.8 per cent zinc and 0.91 per cent copper were obtained at one trench line and up to 29.8 per cent
zinc and 0.84 per cent copper were
15.5 metres of overburden, the drill
a depth of 364 metres. Additionally,
obtained at another. Other drill holes
encountered a potassically altered
the hole contained an interval of 156.1
in the Wye Lake area also provided
breccia from 15.5 to 316.5 metres with
metres grading 0.35 per cent Cu, 0.015
interesting results, including WL05-08
a minor unit of diorite (at 86 to 126.6
of 13.75 metres of 0.77 per cent Cu and
per cent Mo, 2.15 g/t Ag, and 0.87 g/t
metres) and a minor shear zone (at
WL05-13 of 12.45 metres of 0.72 per
213.4 to 234.1 metres).
Au.
cent Cu.
The drill then encountered felsic
At the Hamlin IOCG location, one drill
volcanics at 316.5 metres, which
hole (drilled in 2011 by Xstrata Copper
persisted until the end of the hole at
CURRENT EXPLORATION ACTIVITY In the fall of 2020, Strike Copper
Canada) approximately 10 metres from the Sungold claim line next to Goldshore, HAM-11-75, came in at 156.1 metres grading 0.35 per cent Cu, 0.015 per cent Mo, 2.15 g/t Ag and 0.87 g/t Au. Another drill hole, in the immediate area, HAM-05-35, had the copper equivalent of 0.68 per cent over 49 metres.
HAM-11-75 (DRILL CAP CIRCLED) HAM-11-75 is approximately 10 metres from SCC’s claim line with Goldshore Resources’ Moss Lake property. After
23
Corp. commenced trenching in areas prospective for copper near HAM-11-75 under the direction of Russell Kwiatkowski, a director of the Company. Russell is a recent recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding work and continuous dedication to prospecting in Northwestern Ontario.
WHY COPPER? Copper is currently riding an all-time high and is projected to go even higher due to global production issues and its increasing use in products such as electric vehicles (“EVs”), windmills and virtually all electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, televisions, and computers). Regarding EVs alone, Bloomberg estimates that they will account for one-third of all new vehicle sales by 2040 (Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/ news/articles/2021-07-09/europeto-propose-end-of-combustionengine-era-in-green-overhaul). In a January 2022 article in Mining Weekly, Fitch Solutions “forecasts the copper market will remain in deficit as consumption continues
24
to outpace supply, driving prices higher over the coming years. The main driver of demand growth will be the global transition to a green economy” (Source: https:// www.miningweekly.com/article/ fitch-solutions-expects-copperprices-to-ease-on-weakeningfundamentals-2022-01-05).”
CORPORATE OVERVIEW From a corporate perspective, with only 20.5 million shares outstanding (fully diluted and including 4.25 million warrants), Strike Copper Corp.’s share structure has been designed to incentivize the founders and management to grow the company’s assets through development and expansion over the medium to long term. Specifically, the 60 per cent of the shares are narrowly held by the founders, family, friends, and close business associates. The balance is split between property optionors, retail investors, and an institutional investor (Crescat Capital LLP). When Crescat’s investment was announced in August 2021, Kevin Smith, founder and CIO of Crescat Capital, remarked, “We are excited about the opportunity to help unlock substantial value at Strike Copper by providing capital for exploration at its Sungold project. The company has acquired a large property package
– 5,800 hectares – with potential for a sizable and economic copper and gold system. We are eager to see the team focus its efforts on the IOCG mineralization at Hamlin Lake which is open to depth.” Quinton Hennigh, Crescat’s geologic and technical advisor, commented, “I am excited about the opportunity of working with SCC’s exploration team to develop its Phase I drill program at the Sungold property. Although right in the heart of a classic Abitibi greenstone belt, this project shows indications it is host to a somewhat unusual gold-copper system for this region, perhaps one of IOCG affinity. Historic drilling in an area immediately adjacent to the project yielded long intercepts of Au-Cu mineralization. Crescat is delighted to hold a significant stake in an early stage, exciting opportunity such as this.” Strike Copper Corp.’s senior officers
Copper Prices 45 Year Historical Chart Interactive chart of historical daily COMEX copper prices back to 1971. The price shown is in U.S. Dollars per pound. The current price of copper as of February 22, 2022 is $4.51 per pound.
are Charles Elbourne, president and CEO, and Jon Li, CFO. The Company’s directors and advisory team is comprised of seasoned professional geologists and business executives
Attention
ALL
including the aforementioned Russell Kwiatkowski, Ikram “Ike” Osmani, Colin Bowdidge, Rudy Wahl (advisor), Gerry D. White, Rodney Barber and Paul Cooper. Biographies
of these individuals may be found on the Company’s website at www. strikecopper.com, along with other information regarding Strike Copper Corp. and its Sungold Property.
Ontario Junior Mines, Exploration Companies and Active Ontario Mines
We welcome your press release. We welcome your drill results. Reach investors in Ontario’s mining industry. Please take a moment to post for free.
www.ontariomineralproducer.ca 25
Standard Machine does it all
S
tandard Machine is one of the few shops in North America that offers complete services
of machining, gear cutting and grinding, heat treatment, fabrication, and rebuild services all under one roof. Our company is vertically integrated to minimize production and operating costs creating value for our customers while producing unsurpassed quality and satisfaction that our customers expect. We are an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer and have been supplying new/rebuilt transmissions and gearing for the electric shovels and draglines
• Exchange units
• Pinions for the crowd and swing
•E ngineering services providing
• Shaft assemblies ready to drop in
upgrade solutions for improving on
All Standard Machine high-quality
OEM original designs
gears, shafts, and assemblies come
for over 20 years to some of the
We stock parts. Our parts inventory
with supporting quality documents
world’s largest mining corporations.
for the electric shovel exceeds over $1
such as material certificate, heat
We offer a wide range of service
million and include:
treatment certificate, M.P.I certificate,
or replacement options for
• Individual gearing for all transmission
transmissions, which include:
groups
• Complete new units
•S hafting such as the shipper shaft,
• Rebuild of customer owned units
U.T. certificates, and a Certificate of Compliance to assure you we have met all the required manufacturing
swing shaft and final drive shafts
standards. When we cannot offer parts made from our inhouse drawing
DEL Communications Inc. and you,
THE KEY TO SUCCESS. We offer outstanding personal service and quality in the areas of: CREATIVE DESIGN | ADVERTISING SALES TRADE PUBLICATIONS | QUALIFIED SALES & EDITORIAL TEAM
Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 Toll Free:1.866.831.4744 | Toll Free Fax: 1.866.711.5282 www.delcommunications.com
26
library, we can provide you with reverse engineering services at our facility or on location at your site at no cost to you. Our Reverse Engineering team at Standard Machine has the expertise and capability to reverse engineer all types of gears and gearboxes using our state-of-the-art portable CMM (Co-ordinate Measuring Machines). Our Faro Quantum 8’ Arm is capable of measurements from 1/8” to 8’ and our Leica AT402 Absolute Tracker is capable of measurements from 2” to 1,000’, both light enough to fly commercial airlines allowing us to come to you. This valuable service provides you with the options you need for choosing a high-quality cost saving alternative source to the OEM. Standard Machine has been working with the mining industry for over 50 years providing quality parts and services. Whether you need replacement parts, repair services, new complete transmissions or on-site services, Standard Machine should be your No. 1 choice. Standard Machine also provides complete parts and service for your mine processing plant site. Our open gear manufacturing capabilities include everything from small bevel gearsets to very large diameter open mill gearing. We also offer complete gearbox repair services, or we can supply new gearbox replacement units for any plant application. Machining is another specialty service at Standard Machine with large capacities including a 40’ long horizontal lathe, a 10-metre boring mill and a 25’ vertical lathe. We can handle any size of machining, weld and fab, or heat treat job all in house. Call Standard Machine at (306) 931-3343 or email us at canadasales@standardmachine.ca.
27
DIGITAL
DIRECTORIES AND DATABASES Every newsletter needs a list of emails and every online directory needs a database. DEL Communications can assist in gathering the necessary information to create your own searchable directory and/ or an email list for your newsletter.
Potash Mining Directory North of 60 Mining Directory Canadian Winery and Suppliers Directory
NEWSLETTERS
E-newsletters are a great way to keep your audience up-to-date and create new revenue streams. Together, you and our digital team can help create newsletters with eye-catching design and original content. Designed as a PDF digital publication, your newsletter is cross-platform compatible and easily accessible.
The Potash Producer Mining Your Business Ontario Mineral Producer
28
Email mic@delcommunications.com for more information.
