CANADIAN TECHNOLOGY
Paving the way for economic, social advancement
In a historic agreement in 2018, Redpath entered into a partnership with Innu Development Partnership and Nunatsiavut Group of Companies – two governmental organisations representing the Innu and Inuit of Labrador.
The partnership, Innu Inuit Redpath( IIR), has provided the area’ s Indigenous workforce with the training and skillset needed to undertake the Voisey’ s Bay Mine Expansion project, owned by Vale.
In a recent edition of Advance, the Redpath Group’ s global newsletter, Vale provided details on this partnership and project, showcasing how it could act as a blueprint for other partnerships of this type.
IIR commenced the commissioning of two underground mines at Voisey’ s Bay in August of 2018 and completed the project in December of 2024, helping extend the life of this operation for at least another decade.
IIR developed two new mines, Reid Brook and Eastern Deeps, involving four portals, 13 km of ramps and drifts, bulk material handling systems at each mine and various permanent underground infrastructure installations.
One of the notable pieces of infrastructure at the operations is the transfer station on level 515. This is where IC1, a 1.8-km-long conveyor system, changes direction by 180 degrees and continues to surface on IC2, a 2.2-km-long conveyor, and feeds the stacker. The excavation was massive, high and wide, to accommodate the two belts and all the steel structure required for the location where the two belts intersect, and where the ore transfer chute was installed, Redpath said.
The three declines from surface were all treated as“ Priority 1” and had aggressive performance targets, Redpath explained. IIR worked closely with the client to implement the latest equipment technology, short interval controls and continuous improvement programs. This resulted in single heading advance rates peaking at 8.6 m / d on average.
The mine’ s remote location and harsh climate make mobilisation to the site extremely challenging, according to Redpath. All mobile equipment, construction steel and materials were brought in by the ocean-going icebreaker vessel that services the site. The shipping schedule is also impacted by agreed to“ blackout periods” during the winter months to allow the communities to travel on the ice without open-water issues. This creates heavy demands on the vessel when shipping resumes.
IIR was responsible for management and verification of all materials delivered by third parties to the project, and for the maintenance of all Redpath equipment. A priority at the start of the project was the construction of a surface shop for protecting equipment from the elements and for enabling maintenance to be completed.
IIR commenced the commissioning of two underground mines at Voisey’ s Bay in August of 2018 and completed the project in December of 2024, helping extend the life of this operation for at least another decade
IBAs The Voisey’ s Bay deposit is located on the traditional lands of two aboriginal groups – the Innu and Inuit of Labrador, who are represented by Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government, respectively.“ Traditional lands” are the ancestral lands over which Aboriginal Peoples have legal rights.
Impact and Benefit Agreements( IBAs) have been established with Nunatsiavut Government and Innu Nation, resulting in a mutuallybeneficial relationship where benefits to Innu and Inuit of Labrador are maximised and negative outcomes are minimised, according to mine owner Vale. The IBAs provide specific business, employment and training opportunities for members of Innu Nation and Nunatsiavut Government related to the mine and concentrator component of the development..
Approximately 80 % of the operations support contracts at the Voisey’ s Bay mine and concentrator were with aboriginal businesses. In 2023, approximately 30 % of Vale’ s Voisey’ s Bay operation’ s workforce were IBA beneficiaries, representing both Nunatsiavut Inuit and Innu Nation members.
The future Former IIR Indigenous employees from the Labrador area are now, after completion of the project, being transferred to other Redpath projects and Redpath partnerships within Canada, where they capitalise on the training, skills and expertise they acquired at Voisey’ s Bay.
Redpath said:“ The three-way partnership between Redpath, Innu Development Limited Partnership and Nunatsiavut Group of Companies has paved the way for economic and social advancement, and the development of a trained workforce capable of taking on other potential mining projects.” wear under strenuous conditions, helping reduce costly maintenance; n Cold temperatures: DURON UHP 10W-30 provides improved protection at lower temperatures, resulting in quicker, easier starts, minimising engine wear, offering protection throughout the oil’ s life; n Idling: DURON UHP 10W-30 can better resist breakdown due to high temperatures, meaning engines run cleaner with better performance and fuel economy; and n Long-lasting performance: DURON UHP 10W- 30 has a superior oxidation stability and bestin-class shear stability, withstanding changes due to extreme temperatures and extending drain intervals, resulting in decreased maintenance, fewer oil changes and less downtime over time. Melissa Mastrocola, Category Manager Transportation, for Petro-Canada Lubricants, said:“ DURON UHP 10W-30 represents the next step in heavy-duty engine oil technology, offering fleets the ability to fully leverage modern engine technology advancements. To take advantage of benefits such as improved fuel economy, fleets need the right engine oil to match. DURON UHP
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22 International Mining | APRIL 2025