When Agnico Eagle was looking for a convenient, low-cost solution to build a 3.5 m escapeway / vent raise for their flagship Mine La Ronde gold operation in Quebec, the AIL Mining team innovated a custom solution to fit the bill.
Atlantic Arch goes underground to find new purpose
The owner had used lengths of corrugated steel pipe halves in the past but was looking for something offering a larger diameter that was also easier to bring underground, faster to install and still competitively priced. We took our pre-engineered Atlantic Arch — typically used for low-cost fish passage culverts in the forestry sector — and modified its bolting patterns so we could create a round structure.
The smaller sections of Atlantic Arch steel plate were easier to maneuver inside the mine than the longer lengths of CSP. Plus, they still assembled quickly enough to provide a cost-effective solution.
AIL Mining’s ready supply of material and weekly communication with engineering, manufacturing and the customer ensured a successful project outcome. In fact, the owner has ordered three similar structures since.
