Sask. mining project gets federal boost

Watch: Ottawa is providing funding to a Sask. mine to help it become the first carbon neutral copper project in Canada.

A mining project in eastern Saskatchewan got a major boost from the federal government on Tuesday to help it become the first carbon-neutral copper mine in Canada.

“Today I am pleased to announce a $41 million dollar investment from the federal government in Foran’s McIlvenna Bay mine and its endeavour to produce copper without emissions,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources.

The money comes from the Strategic Investment Fund to help Foran Mining Corporation adopt clean energy technologies at its McIlvenna Bay mine near the Manitoba border.

In December, the company was awarded $20 million from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund to build a hydro transmission line, on-site substation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“With this further injection of funding, Foran will take further steps to build the net zero, or net negative mine through the purchase of a battery electric vehicle fleet, the purchase and integration of a ventilation on demand and heat recovery system, the development of a water recycling system and the integration of a pyrite removal system,” said Wilkinson.

Foran says the McIlvenna Bay mine is a polymetallic operation.

“It will have some byproducts,” said James Steels, chief financial officer with Foran Mining Corporation. “We expect those major byproducts to be zinc, gold and silver. But primarily a copper mine which we think is in a really good position to be in, not just in the near term, but medium and long term as well.”

Once Foran decided the McIlvenna Bay project was economically viable and started construction, they found another deposit.

“Pretty well at the same time, the Tesla discovery was made,” said Tyler Glubrecht, lead geologist- resource definition with Foran Mining Corporation. “And this zone has blown out over the past few years to be almost roughly the same scale as the McIlvenna Bay. So, it’s a huge gravy and cherry on top of the whole process.”

He adds they are working towards multiple ore headings to begin commercial production in 2026.

“At the same time, we’re drilling out this Tesla discovery,” said Glubrecht. “You don’t see that a lot with mining companies nowawdays. They normally put all their effort into the mine building, put all their effort into the exploration. It’s so exciting with Foran that we can do both at the same time and build this mine from a 17, 18-year mine life to a generational mine.”

Wilkinson says the project will add nearly 400 jobs and reinforce Saskatchewan’s position as a global mining leader.

“Canada will continue to be a partner in the development of our critical minerals supply chains, from end to end, in order to drive economic benefits and contribute to a secure future,” he said.