Glencore gets $11M from feds
Funds will enable shift to EV machines at Craig Mine
Glencore has received an $11-million boost from the federal government for its work to promote greener technologies and better outcomes for the planet.
Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre and Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe announced Friday an investment of up to $11 million from industrial pollution pricing proceeds, for Glencore Canada.
The funding, funnelled through the decarbonization incentive program, will be used to replace diesel-powered machinery with battery-electric powered equipment at the Craig Mine in Onaping. This will result in a reduction of more than 5,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2030.
“The decarbonization incentive program enables industries, like mining, to foster a cleaner, more sustainable approach to resource extraction, while also paving the way for a greener future,” Lapointe said. “This program encourages industry leaders to innovate and reduce their carbon footprint, demonstrating that responsible industry practices can lead to economic growth and prosperity.”
The government said its pollution pricing system creates incentives for industries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; drives innovation and sustainable business practices; and fosters a cleaner, more environmentally responsible future.
The incentive program is comprised of proceeds collected from all industrial sectors, other than the electricity sector, that are covered by the federal output-based pricing system. Once collected, the proceeds are returned to industry to support clean technology projects.
“The OBPS helps to maintain competitiveness for industries by protecting against the risk of industrial facilities moving from one jurisdiction to another to avoid paying a price on carbon pollution, known as carbon leakage,” the Liberals said in a release.
Proceeds from the OBPS are returned to their jurisdiction of origin.
Through the incentive program, the government of Canada returns a portion of the proceeds it collects from large industrial emitters to support clean technology projects.
“This federal investment will positively benefit the environment, protect workers from harmful pollution and help Canada reach its net-zero goals,” said Serre. “I commend Glencore for their continued commitment to reducing emissions and prioritizing projects like this one … I look forward to seeing the positive impacts at the Craig Onaping Depth mining expansion project.”
The project will reduce emissions and heat generation caused by the diesel-powered equipment, providing workers and surrounding communities with a safer, cleaner and healthier environment, the government said.
“This significant funding will help accelerate the adoption of green BEV technology at our Craig Mine Onaping Depth project, which is currently under construction,” said Peter Xavier, VP of Glencore's Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations. "Transitioning to electric mining vehicles reduces greenhouse gas emissions from mining machinery and mine ventilation, and supports Glencore's climate change goals and targets, as well as municipal, provincial and federal climate change plans.”
This federal investment will positively benefit the environment, protect workers from harmful pollution and help Canada reach its net-zero goal.”