Ring of Fire Metals, formerly known as Noront Resources, is undertaking two studies to create a zero emissions mine in its Eagle’s Nest property located in the Ring of Fire, 540 kilometres Northeast of Thunder Bay.
The first study will explore the use of wind power, while the other will focus on atmospheric carbon removal.
RoF Metals VP of Sustainability, Stephen Crozier, says a previous study into wind energy yielded promising results.
“We are encouraged by the results of the initial wind study and believe there is good potential to generate clean energy using wind turbines in the area, which we will further define with additional study in the near term.
He adds there are other low and no-emission generation options, such as biomass, pumped hydro and solar, which could supplement a wind energy production if needed.
Following the first study a device called a Vaisala Windcube lidar was installed to collect more detailed data.
Crozier is optimistic the ability for RoF Metals’ energy production could tie into the provincial network of power lines.
“Ultimately we would like to be able to draw upon and potentially supply to Ontario’s power grid when it is expanded to northern communities.”
The other study, geared towards atmospheric carbon removal, is part of a larger project called the DETAILS project with Dr Liam Bullock at Geosciences Barcelona, an institute of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, to investigate the potential to use mine tailings to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“The tailings from ultramafic nickel deposits have been shown to have the potential to absorb significant quantities of carbon dioxide, and there may be ways we can speed up the rate that this happens,” says Crozier.
The company has provided samples of tailings from the Eagle’s Nest project, to evaluate the potential for carbon dioxide absorption. If viable it would allow the Ring of Fire Metals to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it underground.
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