Glencore Canada has achieved a significant milestone at its Onaping Depth project located at the Craig Mine in Sudbury, Ontario. The company successfully reached a new depth of 8,500 feet, allowing access to a fresh nickel and copper orebody. This development is part of a broader $2 billion investment aimed at securing the company's long-term presence in the region.
The mining operations at the site are notable for the exclusive use of emission-free electric equipment. Glencore has deployed a fleet of 23 battery-electric machines supplied by Epiroc. This transition away from diesel-powered machinery reduces the need for extensive underground ventilation and cooling, which are typically major energy consumers in mining operations.
The current electric fleet includes various specialized units, such as Scooptram ST14 SG loaders, Minetruck MT42 haul trucks with a 42-tonne capacity, and several types of Boomer, Boltec, Cabletec, and Simba drills. These machines handle the entire mining cycle, from drilling and rock reinforcement to the extraction and transportation of ore.
The Onaping Depth project is expected to support more than 400 permanent jobs once it reaches full operational capacity. Furthermore, the initiative is projected to extend nickel production in the Sudbury Basin beyond the year 2040, aligning with both Glencore's sustainability goals and Canada's national net-zero ambitions.