Dome underground mine closing down, 'This was a difficult decision'

Porcupine Gold Mines is ‘permanently ceasing’ mining operations at the Dome underground mine.

On Tuesday, Goldcorp announced it would close down the mine on December 31. It opened back in 1910.

The life of the Dome Underground mine had been extended by eighteen months, since the original announcement of closure in January 2016.

However, in a media release, the company said the decision to cease operations permanently was taken in response to ‘economic conditions’ and ‘operational challenges associated with aging infrastructure’.

“This was a difficult decision, but one that is in the best interest of the long-term sustainability of the Porcupine Gold Mines complex,” said Marc Lauzier, Goldcorp’s Porcupine Gold Mines general manager.

“We are investing in the future, with projects such as extension of the Hoyle Pond Mine, construction of the Borden Mine and completion of studies for Project Century.  Investing in new development means we can deploy the latest technologies, decrease overall operating costs, sustain safe operations and continue to be a significant employer and partner in our community.”

Mining operations at Porcupine’s Hollinger open pit, Hoyle Pond underground mine and processing plant will continue for the foreseeable future.

The permanent closure of Dome underground operations will directly affect approximately 140 people – or about 12% of the PGM workforce - including employees and contractors.

Goldcorp said its providing outplacement services to affected employees during this transition. Some displaced Dome employees may qualify to find employment at other parts of the company.

One of the Big Three mines in the Timmins area, the Hollinger gold deposit was discovered in 1909 by Benny Hollinger and Alex Gillies.

The main Hollinger mine was in operation from 1910 to 1968, before it closed in 1989. After four years of study, it was determined open pit mine was the most appropriate long term solution for the property.