Mining executives outline major plans for Timmins region

The future of mining in northeastern Ontario was on full display Thursday during the ‘Projects in the Pipeline’ session at the Canadian Mining Expo in Timmins.

The future of mining in northeastern Ontario was on full display June 11 at the ‘Projects in the Pipeline’ session at the Canadian Mining Expo in Timmins.

Mining executives from Discovery Silver, Agnico Eagle and IAMGOLD laid out plans that could shape the region for decades to come.

Discovery Silver said its recent acquisition of the Kidd operations will be a major growth driver.

The company plans to build new gold processing circuits at the Kidd metallurgical site, shift ore processing from Dome to Kidd, expand exploration and increase production in the Timmins camp.

The company said it sees more than $6 billion in spending in the next five years, hundreds of new jobs and the potential to more than double gold production.

Tony Makuch, president and CEO of Discovery Silver Corp., said there is strong confidence in the region.

“There’s still a lot of great opportunities here in Timmins. People should be investing and thinking positively about the growth and, you know, Timmins shouldn’t be closing -- it should be building,” said Makuch.

Agnico Eagle detailed several major projects in its pipeline, including the Detour Underground project, Upper Beaver and other growth opportunities across northeastern Ontario.

The company is targeting a 20- to 30-per-cent increase in gold production while continuing to invest in workforce training and development.

IAMGOLD provided an update on its Cote Gold Mine, which reached commercial production last year and is now studying future expansion options.

The company said the mine is producing about 400,000 ounces of gold annually and has the potential for a much longer mine life than originally planned.

George Pirie, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, said events like the Expo help investors and suppliers plan for what’s next.

“People want to hear about what’s happening, the growth stories. Where are they going to put their money into next?” said Pirie.

He said the industry’s momentum is attracting attention well beyond northern Ontario.

“The world is listening. They’re listening to Ontario in northern Ontario and they’re listening to Timmins,” said Pirie.

Canadian Mining Expo organizers said this year’s event was the largest in the show’s history and the growing turnout reflects strong confidence in the mining sector.

Glenn Dredhart, president of Canadian Trade-Ex and the Canadian Mining Expo, said the energy at the event was unmistakable.

“You can feel it. The buzz is there. It’s happening. This is our time for Timmins. This is our time for northern Ontario,” said Dredhart.

He said attendance was up by about 2,000 people compared to last year, with roughly 8,000 people attending the two-day event, including representatives from 13 countries.