Extending the life a mine seemingly nearing the end of its operations

Nickel Rim South

We have been involved with the Nickel Rim South mine since 2003. Our services have ranged from the initial conceptual, scoping, prefeasibility, and feasibility studies through detailed engineering design of the underground infrastructure to full mine design and ongoing support. Based on this knowledge and with the mine nearing the end of its life cycle, Glencore Canada Corporation reached out to us to help them with a possible expansion of the mine.

They tasked us with investigating the feasibility of accessing a deep ore deposit below the existing infrastructure to increase the mine’s operational life. This process involved the development of a capital cost estimate for the delivery of the infrastructure system needed to support an extension from the mine and into the surrounding area surrounding area.

While the project was financially feasible, Glencore faced another challenge. The ore body ran into the domain of Vale Canada Limited. Vale agreed to collaborate with Glencore, and the two companies have formed a joint venture to proceed with the effort.

Currently in FEL 3, or the basic design stage, the Nickel Rim South Extension project is underway and expected to keep the mine viable for years to come.