MANY MINDEDGlencore's Onaping Depth Mine Hits All-Electric Milestone
Glencore Canada achieved a key shaft development milestone at its Sudbury copper mine by implementing all-electric operations for the Onaping Depth project in Northern Ontario. The initiative uses 23 battery-electric machines—including Scooptram loaders, Minetruck haul trucks, and drilling equipment—to operate 8,500 feet below surface without diesel emissions. This approach reduces ventilation and cooling needs while enabling access to previously unreachable nickel and copper ore deposits.
The project, part of Glencore Canada’s $2 billion Onaping Depth initiative, eliminates underground diesel emissions at the Craig Mine site. Once fully operational, it will support over 400 permanent jobs and extend critical mineral production in the Sudbury Basin beyond 2040. The milestone was announced September 4, 2026, during a site visit with Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
This represents a significant step toward decarbonizing deep-mining operations for critical minerals. By making copper and nickel more accessible without diesel pollution, it supports the supply chain for clean energy technologies while reducing operational costs for essential minerals. However, the project remains a development milestone—not yet fully operational—and production timelines beyond 2040 are not specified. The source reports this as a news update, not an official company statement or regulatory document.
Source: Electrek