Newmont announces $160 million water treatment plant at Porcupine Mine

Newmont’s Porcupine mine’s new water treatment plant-million project under construction throughout 2021 and 2022 is nearing completion.

The plan will benefit the entire ecosystem and surrounding watershed through collection, treatment and return of impacted water.

Provincially, this plant will have among the lowest effluent discharge limits within the mining sector.

Construction is expected to be completed before yearend and begin discharging in 2023. Once operational, the plant will return up to 13 million cubic meters of treated clean water to the Mattagami, Frederickhouse and Upper Kapuskasing watersheds.

“This is another example of how mining companies operating in Ontario are leading the charge when it comes to sustainability. I want to congratulate Newmont for their strong commitment to the Porcupine operations. By building this treatment facility, Newmont is creating 100 contract jobs and improving the water quality and ecosystem of Porcupine,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins and Minister of Mines.

Officials say after more than a century of mining in Timmins, the next phase of operations at Porcupine is an opportunity to support “regreening the region”, significantly improve site water management and support the local watersheds while maintaining employment and economic benefits for Northern Ontario communities, local First Nations and the government.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited the construction site recently.

“This investment from Newmont is a huge vote of confidence in Timmins, our workers and the future of Northern Ontario. We are grateful that Newmont has chosen to deepen its commitment to Ontario, and we look forward to seeing them thrive right here in Timmins,” he said.

Since 1910, the historic Porcupine mining district has produced more than 67 million ounces of gold. The modern Porcupine mine is the largest employer in Timmins, with more than 1200 employees and contractors. Newmont leadership has applauded Porcupine for its ongoing commitment to safe and sustainable production.

“Investments like the new water treatment plant that we are announcing today are only made possible by the steadfast commitments of our employees, all levels of government and our Indigenous communities and partners,” said Dawid Pretorius, general manager for Newmont Porcupine. “I would like to thank all involved for their dedication to upholding our reputation as an industry leader in safe, sustainable and responsible mining.”

Newmont also thanked eight signatory First Nations communities whose partnership the mine could not operate without: Mattagami First Nation, Matachewan First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, Wahgoshig First Nation, Michipicoten First Nation, Brunswick House First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation and Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation.

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