AIL Mining is proud to have designed and supplied an MSE Crusher Wall as part of Skeena Gold + Silver’s massive redevelopment of the Eskay Creek precious minerals mine in the heart of northwest British Columbia’s Golden Triangle region.
Eskay Creek is a massive high-grade volcanogenic sulphide deposit that was previously operated as an underground gold and silver mine from 1994 to 2008. During its previous operating life, it was the highest-grade gold mine in the world and one of the largest silver-producing mines as a bi-product.
Skeena purchased the mine from the previous owner in 2020 and is redeveloping it as an open-pit mining operation with a projected 12-year life. Eskay Creek is expected to contribute approximately $14 billion to BC’s GDP over the life of the mine. Learn more in this project update video from Skeena:
VIDEO: Eskay Creek: The Final Mile 1:32
In addition to gold and silver, it hosts significant quantities of antimony, zinc, lead and copper, metals needed for modern technologies and environmental solutions, as well as economic and national security.
“Trusted Advisor” sales model wins the business
While we were not the lowest-cost bidder, Skeena ultimately favoured AIL Mining’s proposal based on the constructability advantages of our MSE Wire Walls’ Track-Strip Soil Reinforcement System versus a geogrid wall. Through multiple face-to-face meetings early in the process, we were able to demonstrate these advantages, which helped the consultant, Ausenco, concur that our solution was the best fit for the project
This was the first of three MSE Crusher Walls we have sold this year, and it proved that our “trusted advisor” sales model continues to win business for us. It was constructed in four months from July through October 2026 and the redeveloped mine is on track to open in 2027.
With commodity prices and the huge demand for precious and critical minerals, mining activity is surging and our MSE Crusher Walls and other mine site infrastucture are vital components in the mining process and getting the commodities to market.
