The construction phase of the KSM mining project in British Columbia, Canada, is set to be powered by hydropower following the signing of a Facilities Agreement between Seabridge Gold's wholly owned subsidiary, KSM Mining ULC and British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro).
KSM will connect to BC Hydro's existing Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) at Treaty Creek Switching Station (TCT). This TCT is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2024. KSM Mining has completed its design for a 30km long 287 KV transmission line to interconnect the TCT and the KSM plant site. This KSM transmission line is scheduled to be constructed in 2023 with completion and commissioning planned for late 2024 to be ready for connection to the TCT.
Previous studies at KSM originally incorporated diesel power for construction activities, with hydropower to be supplied later from BC Hydro's NTL for operations. Connecting to BC Hydro's NTL earlier than previously planned provides a number of significant ESG and economic advantages.
"We are delighted to take our relationship with BC Hydro to the next level,” said Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk. “Having access to low-cost hydro power is one of many logistical advantages KSM enjoys compared to other large undeveloped gold and copper projects around the world. The recently announced US$225 million funding from Sprott Resource Streaming and Royalty Corp. and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan provides the capital necessary for our work with BC Hydro as well as our other substantially started activities."
