First Blast Begins Work on Hollinger Open Pit Mine in Timmins, Ont.

Goldcorp through its Porcupine Gold Mines subsidiary performed their first blast to start creating the open pit gold mine which will see mining return to the historic Hollinger Mine site in Timmins for the first time in 30 years.

The blast went off well and was a little disappointing as this reporter was expecting the earth to move and rattle the three story building that serves as PGM offices just off downtown Timmins on Algonquin Blvd E and Highway 655.

The ground didn't move. The explosion was audible but not very loud and there were no vibrations at all. Visible in the distance was a cloud of dirt, debris and smoke from the explosives that reached about 10 to 20 feet high by about 20 – 40 yards.

Two series of warning sirens sounded the first at 1:25 p.m. This was to ensure that all worker in the area were aware the blast was about to occur so they could move to a safe location. The second sirens sounded just prior to 1:30 p.m. and then came the blast. Barely audible…the smoke, rubble and dust rose from the blast area and the silence.

The blast lasted no more than a couple of seconds and it was over.

Pioneering blast

Paul Miller, the Superintendent of Surface Operation for Porcupine Gold Mines explained that this was the first blast of the company’s open pit gold mine project.

“It’s known as a pioneering blast,” Miller explained. “The area has many knobs (rocky outcrops) and the blast was intended to flatten the area so we have a more level area to work with.”

According to Miller this was relatively small blast in which only 3.500 tonnes of explosives were used.

To prepare for area for blasting, work crew removed the overburden layer of ground using excavators which were visible from viewing area in the Goldcorp building located about 300 to 500 metres to the north. Holes were drilled four inches in diameter for the placement of the explosives, the explosive truck arrived and the dynamite was put in place.

“It was very important to Porcupine Gold Mines to get this first blast done,” Miller said, it’s been a long time coming.”

“It’s very satisfying to get the project going,” Miller said by way of summarizing his feelings about how the first blast went.

Monitoring results will be analyzed

The blast was also important to test the monitoring system and to analyze the impact it had on noise and vibration levels Miller explained.

“We will review monitoring results to see if they match the predicative modelling of the impact of our blasting on the community,” Miller said.

“They results will be studied and depending on the results we could alter our design of future blasts” he added.

Asked if the relatively quiet first blast was indicative of the noise level to be expected of future blasts, Miller said that future blasts could be louder but not significantly.

“We will be expecting some feedback from the community and if they do have comments they would like to share with us they should contact Heather Duhn, PGM’s community relations officer

Daily blasting

With the completion of the first blast the company will be blasting on a daily basis as part of the mining operation, although there could be gaps due to weather said Miller.

If you have comments or feedback about the first blast at the Hollinger contact:

Heather Duhn, Community Liaison Coordinator
heather.duhn@goldcorp.com
Tel: (705) 235-6571
Cell: (705) 465-5021