Exciting news from the world of mining! Newcrest Mining has announced that construction on the significant expansion of its Red Chris mine in northwestern British Columbia is set to begin in 2025. And they’ve brought in a heavy hitter to lead the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC): Fluor Corporation.
This isn’t just a minor upgrade. The expansion project aims to transform Red Chris into a Tier 1 operation, significantly boosting its production capacity and extending its lifespan. The plan involves transitioning from open-pit mining to a block cave operation, a highly efficient underground mining method.
Why Fluor?
Fluor is a global giant in the EPC space, with a proven track record in delivering large-scale, complex projects, particularly in the mining sector. Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring the Red Chris expansion is executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
What this means for Red Chris:
- Increased production: The expansion will unlock the vast potential of the Red Chris deposit, leading to a substantial increase in the production of copper and gold.
- Extended mine life: The block cave operation will extend the life of the mine for decades to come, securing long-term employment opportunities and economic benefits for the region.
- Reduced environmental footprint: Underground mining generally has a smaller surface impact compared to open-pit mining, contributing to more sustainable operations.
Impact on the region:
The Red Chris expansion is a major boost for the local economy in northwestern British Columbia. It will create numerous jobs during the construction phase and sustain employment opportunities for many years to come. Furthermore, the project will generate significant revenue for local communities and the province.
Looking ahead:
With construction set to begin in 2025, the Red Chris expansion is poised to become a flagship mining operation in Canada. The partnership between Newcrest and Fluor brings together the expertise and resources needed to deliver this ambitious project successfully. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the progress and sharing updates as this exciting project unfolds.