Earlier this week, Wesdome Gold Mines’ Kiena Mine received the first two Epiroc Minetruck MT42 SG machines in Quebec; an important milestone as they grow their electrified fleet. “Reducing our carbon footprint, improving our working environment and optimising our performance is exactly the direction we want to take,” said Simon Fontaine, Operations Superintendent at the Kiena Mine.
He added: “This investment marks a key milestone in our ongoing transformation toward sustainable mining operations. By adopting advanced battery-electric technology, we’re not only improving air quality and working conditions for our team underground but also aligning our operations with the highest environmental standards.”
Epiroc and Kiena have worked closely on this deployment as part of a long-term collaboration aimed at supporting the mine’s transition to an all-electric underground fleet. The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental performance in the mining sector.
“We’ve developed a great relationship with the Kiena team, and it has been a rewarding experience working alongside them to support their objectives,” said Dawn Nigro, General Manager of Epiroc Canada. “This deployment marks an exciting milestone – not only for Kiena, but for the broader adoption of battery-electric solutions in Canadian mining.”
The successful integration of the MT42 SG trucks at Kiena sets the stage for future electrification initiatives, as Wesdome continues to evaluate and implement advanced technologies that enhance both operational efficiency and support its long-term sustainability objectives across its operations.
The Minetruck MT42 SG is Epiroc’s largest battery-electric underground haul truck, boasting a 42 t capacity. Purpose-built for ramp haulage in demanding underground conditions, the MT42 SG delivers enhanced productivity while significantly reducing diesel emissions, operational noise, and heat generation.
Kiena is a fully permitted, integrated mining and milling operation located on a 75 km² land package in the highly prospective Val-d’Or district of Quebec. The site features a 930 m production shaft and a mill with a permitted capacity of 2,040 t per day.
Wesdome released its Q1 2025 results on May 13 where Anthea Bath, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Production at Kiena nearly doubled over the first quarter of 2024, supported by a full quarter of ore contribution from the high-grade Kiena Deep Zone, where initial stoping began in April 2024 and mining activities have ramped up steadily. Reconciliation continues to trend well to block model grades. First ore from the Presqu’île Zone is on track for Q2 and the 136-level horizon is targeting completion in early Q3 – both key to reducing grade variability and improving operational flexibility over the medium-term.”
Electrification at Kiena is also referred to in the company’s full year 2024 results: “At Kiena, consistent and efficient mining of the Kiena Deep A Zone will remain the cornerstone of production over the medium term. Steady improvements in hoisting and underground infrastructure, including ventilation and electric haulage infrastructure, are expected to support higher mining rates and efficiency gains.”
Wesdome continued: “Completion of stope development in the Presqu’île Zone as well as the exploration ramp to level 33 at Kiena will allow access to highpotential mining targets, facilitating future production from the 33-level drift. Other near-surface deposits such as Dubuisson are expected to be delineated in the medium term and integrated into mine plans, contributing to potential mine life extension and increased utilisation of the 2,040 tonnes per day mill.”
