The alternative compressors will be deployed at Kirkland Lake Gold's Holloway mine in Matheson, Ontario. Kirkland Lake Gold will use Sudbury-based Electrale Innovation's hydraulic air compressor (HAC) technology, which relies on water and gravity to compress air. The cooler, drier, oil-free compressed air will also improve equipment maintenance and reliability at the Holloway mine.
Funded through Natural Resources Canada's Clean Growth Program, this project is harnessing the HAC technology to bring it to commercial scale in an operational underground mine and to build a new industry standard for compression in applications beyond underground mining.
The Clean Growth Program is a C$155 million investment fund that helps emerging clean technologies further reduce their impacts on air, land and water while enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs.
Canada's climate plan includes measures to protect the environment and leave a healthier planet for future generations, including actions to protect the oceans, phase out coal-fired electricity, invest in renewables and public transit and reduce plastic pollution. Green mining technologies are a key part of Canada's plan to combat climate change while growing the economy.
Alasdair Federico, executive vice president of Kirkland Lake Gold, commented: "Kirkland Lake Gold is delighted to be working with NRCan and the project partners on this hydraulic air compressor deployment. By reducing energy consumption without negatively impacting costs and performance, Electrale's hydraulic air compressor is a perfect fit with our sustainable mining objectives, and we are proud to take a leading role in the commercial deployment of this technology."
Paul Lefebvre, parliamentary secretary to Canada's minister of natural resources, said: "The government of Canada continues to invest in projects that are positioning Canada's mining industry to lead the clean energy future. Through strong government partnerships and a commitment to innovation, we are building the sustainable and competitive mining industry of tomorrow."
