Galore Creek Mine
CIVIL CONSTRUCTION
DEEP FOUNDATIONS
EXCAVATION
The Galore Creek Mine is a large-scale copper-gold project in northwestern British Columbia. M3 Drilling & Blasting initially joined the project as a subcontractor under Tercon (General Contractor). After the successful completion of the first season, M3 was asked to return and work directly with Galore Creek, reflecting the team’s proven expertise and efficiency in remote-site drilling and blasting.
Scope of Work:
Equipment Mobilization & Setup:
Six drill rigs were flown into the remote site and reassembled onsite—a crucial step given the rugged location and lack of typical road access.High-Precision Drill-Blast Operations:
M3 managed rock excavation in terrain featuring multiple benches and significant elevation changes, requiring specialized blasting techniques to ensure safety and efficiency.Environmental Support:
The team also assisted with acid rock sampling and tracking, helping monitor and manage potentially reactive rock materials throughout the project’s drilling and blasting phases.
Key Challenges & Solutions:
Extreme Remoteness
- Challenge: Limited infrastructure and challenging weather conditions made transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies difficult.
- Solution: M3 coordinated close logistics with helicopters and support crews, minimizing downtime and ensuring seamless mobilization.
Complex Geology
- Challenge: The site’s steep benches and potential acid-generating rock required careful blast design.
- Solution: Employing controlled, high-precision blasts and regular ground inspections to maintain stability and manage acid rock drainage risks.
Mineral Resource Estimate (2023):
Galore Creek hosts a substantial resource base within a highly prospective mineral tenure package spanning over 180,000 hectares. The current Mineral Resource Estimate (Measured & Indicated) includes:
- 12,159 million pounds of copper
- 9.44 million ounces of gold
- 174.1 million ounces of silver
Outcome:
By adapting to adverse terrain and stringent environmental requirements, M3 Drilling & Blasting helped advance early development stages of the Galore Creek Mine. The operation’s success reinforced M3’s capability to deliver safe, reliable drill-blast services under remote and environmentally sensitive conditions, positioning the company as a valued partner for large-scale mining projects in challenging locations.