Aqqaluk Deposit | open-pit mine

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The Aqqaluk pit mines the Aqqaluk deposit and was brought into production in 2010 and is expected to has a life of mine until 2031. Mining is undertaken using conventional open pit drill and blast and truck-and-shovel technology. Equipment includes three wheel loaders, seven haul trucks, two track dozers, two drills, two graders and a water/sand truck. Bench heights are 7.6 m and pit slopes vary depending on wall material. ANFO is used in the drier areas of the pit and packaged slurry in the wet areas. Mine production is 10,000 tonnes of ore and waste per day, and the mine has a strip ratio of 1.51:1 waste:ore.

The Aqqaluk Deposit is mined using the same method and equipment as the main pit. Stripping began in 2009 and production began in 2010. When depleted the pit dimensions will be approximately 1036m (3400') wide by 900m (2950') long and 133m (435') below Middle Fork Red Dog Creek. The projected total tonnage of ore to be mined is 61.4 million short tons (tons). The project will result in the production of approximately 94.7 million tons of waste rock.