First Mining Establishes Review Board for Springpole Tailings Design

First Mining Gold Corp. has formally established an Independent Geotechnical and Tailings Review Board (IGTRB) for its Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario. This board will provide expert guidance on the engineering and sustainability of the project’s Co-Disposal Facility (CDF) for tailings and mine rock, underscoring First Mining’s commitment to sustainable and best-practice development.

 

The IGTRB includes three world-class experts, each with over 40 years of experience:

• Peter Lighthall, P.Eng.: An expert in geotechnical engineering for tailings dams, impoundments, and mine rock storage, with project experience in 35 countries.

• Ward Wilson, Ph.D., P.Eng.: A professor at the University of Alberta specializing in advanced mine rock and tailings management systems, with a focus on co-disposal methods for stability.

• John Lupo, Ph.D., P.E.: An expert in geotechnical and geomechanics with experience in over 30 countries, credited with significant innovations in tailings management.

 

Key Findings and Future Role

Since the IGTRB’s formation in 2023, the board has reviewed the Pre-Feasibility Study and design updates for Springpole’s CDF, noting strong geotechnical conditions at the site and endorsing the design’s improvements. Their feedback will continue to shape the CDF’s development through all project phases, from detailed engineering to operations and eventual closure.

 

First Mining CEO Dan Wilton emphasized, “Establishing the IGTRB early has already brought valuable insights for enhancing operational and environmental performance, and we look forward to its role in ensuring the highest standards in our project.”

 

Further details on the IGTRB’s findings and responses are available in Appendix V of the Final Environmental Impact Statement at First Mining’s website.

 

About First Mining Gold Corp.

Established in 2015, First Mining Gold Corp. is advancing major Canadian gold projects, including the Springpole and Duparquet Gold Projects. It also holds interests in several strategic assets such as the Pickle Crow Gold Project with Firefly Metals Ltd. and the Hope Brook Gold Project with Big Ridge Gold Corp.

Tags: Northern Ontario / Operational Updates / Gold / All Articles