Key to operating a mine in Canada’s remote wilderness is the ice road, built by a Joint Venture of mining companies operating in the area, and shared by many other users from exploration companies to tourism outfitters and aboriginal hunters.
In operation for over 20 years, the seasonal road must be constructed annually to service several mines in the Barren Lands. The road typically opens early in February and closes early in April. It crosses lakes wherever possible to save costs, and of the 350 kilometre length to the Diavik mine, 75% is ice, built over frozen lakes.
Travel time on the ice road to Diavik is generally about 15 hours, but can be as high as 19 hours for very heavy loads. Speeds are carefully controlled to protect the ice.
Companies transport a variety of materials including fuel, construction materials, cement, explosives, and staples such as tires to their sites. Diesel fuel is the single largest commodity brought to the Diavik site.
During operations, Diavik transports approximately 2,500 truckloads of supplies to the site annually.
In operation for over 20 years, the seasonal road must be constructed annually to service several mines in the Barren Lands. The road typically opens early in February and closes early in April. It crosses lakes wherever possible to save costs, and of the 350 kilometre length to the Diavik mine, 75% is ice, built over frozen lakes.
Travel time on the ice road to Diavik is generally about 15 hours, but can be as high as 19 hours for very heavy loads. Speeds are carefully controlled to protect the ice.
Companies transport a variety of materials including fuel, construction materials, cement, explosives, and staples such as tires to their sites. Diesel fuel is the single largest commodity brought to the Diavik site.
During operations, Diavik transports approximately 2,500 truckloads of supplies to the site annually.
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