The federal government has announced $1.48 million in funding to promote low-carbon operations for a Northern Ontario gold mine near Gogama, north of Sudbury.
The funding was announced March 13 by Steven Guilbeault, then Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, and Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe.
The funding, which is provided through Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund, is to help IAMGOLD Corporation reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the mine, said a government news release.
"As part of the project, the IAMGOLD Côté Gold mine will acquire electric-powered dewatering pumps and mobile lighting towers, replacing the diesel-powered equipment currently in use," said the release.
"IAMGOLD will also upgrade the mine’s on-site electrical infrastructure to support these new components, as well as an aggregate crusher that was previously powered by a diesel generator. This project will provide clean energy to the mine’s operations and additional electric grid resilience for the accommodations camp and polishing pond pump house, significantly reducing the reliance on diesel," said the release.
By switching from diesel-driven equipment to cleaner electricity, the project is set to eliminate an estimated 7,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions in 2030 — which is like planting approximately 300,000 trees — thereby promoting cleaner solutions in the mining industry in Ontario, said the release.
Projects supported by the Low Carbon Economy Fund are helping sectors like the mining industry work toward innovative solutions that will allow them to reduce emissions and create jobs while building a strong, sustainable future for generations to come.
“Mining is at the heart of our region’s economy, and projects like this show how Canadian mining is a leader in innovation. By electrifying operations at Côté Gold, IAMGOLD is cutting emissions while keeping our mining industry strong and competitive. This investment demonstrates our commitment to a cleaner future without compromising economic growth,” said MP Serré, who is also Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Lapointe commented that mining companies in the Sudbury area and across the North are leading the way in sustainable practices.
“Supporting clean technology in the mining sector helps ensure the industry remains strong and continues to drive economic growth. By reducing reliance on diesel, IAMGOLD is helping to build a cleaner and more resilient future for mining in Ontario,” said Lapointe.