A new lookout is giving people a glimpse into an active open pit mine.
The Hollinger Open Pit Lookout is open for a limited time this week.
Newmont Goldcorp Porcupine Gold Mines general manager Marc Lauzier said the lookout is a commitment the company made to the city when they started the open pit. It's located on top of the environmental control berm and can be accessed off Brunette Road, where the entrance to the Shania Twain Centre was south of Hollinger Park.
From the lookout, people can see the activities in the pit.
“We want to keep along our spirit of being transparent and allowing people to see what’s going on in the pit and this will provide for that,” said Lauzier.
The observation area is open to the public Thursday, Oct. 24 to Sunday, Oct. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“Because winter is coming, snow removal up here is going to be a bit of a mess, it’s going to be difficult this winter, and so we’re going to open it now until Sunday, allow people the chance to come see what’s going on. Once the snow melts in the spring, we’ll re-open and it will be open for all of next summer,” Lauzier said.
From the viewing area, you can see the progress of the pit.
Lauzier said the depth is about 72 metres on the bench floor. There are about 100 metres to go during its lifespan, which is anticipated to run until the first quarter of 2023.
"Anyone will be able to come up here and see the progress of the pit during the life of the mine,” he said.
When there is blasting, the area will be closed for about 20 to 30 minutes.
There are 10 parking spots and one accessible parking spot available.
