Alamos Gold has partnered with Batchewana First Nation on a major transmission line project to feed more power into the gold mine complex outside Dubreuilville.
Groundbreaking for construction on a $70-million, 115-kilovolt power line project has started with the in-service date scheduled for 2026, according to a joint June 23 news release.
When operational, Batchewana First Nation will be the owner-operator of the line.
The power line will extend from just east of Wawa to a new transformer station at the Island Gold mine site.
The company and First Nation did not place a figure on the number of direct and indirect jobs created through construction and long-term maintenance.
Alamos’ assets in the Dubreuilville area include the Island Gold and Magino mines. Mining activity is increasing as the prolific Island Gold underground mine is in its third phase of expansion with more gold discoveries in this high-grade camp expected to be made for decades to come.
Strengthening the electrical network in the northwestern portion of the Algoma district is critical to Alamos’ operations, the company and First Nation said in a joint news release.
Boosting the area’s power grid, the company said, will reduce its reliance on fossil fuel generators at the mine site and cut its GHG emissions by 29 per cent by 2027.
“This project is another catalyst for Indigenous-led economic growth, and Batchewana First Nation is proud to engage in this collaborative approach with Alamos Gold,” said Batchewana Chief Mark McCoy in a news release.
“This partnership demonstrates the success that can be achieved when industry respects First Nation protocols and ways of doing business. By working together, we’re not only delivering power—we’re building a more resilient future for our territories and the entire region.”
In a statement, Alamos Gold’s president-CEO John McCluskey said Batchewana brings a “strong track record” of developing energy projects in the Algoma district.
“Once complete, it will provide the Island Gold District with secure, reliable and clean electricity, reducing our GHG emissions intensity to 70 per cent below the industry average.”
