Name of the Project
Voisey’s Bay underground mine expansion (VBME) project.

Location
The project is located in Labrador, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Brazilian miner Vale.

Project Description
The project will extend the operational life of Voisey’s Bay from 2023 to 2034.

The project includes two underground mines – Reid Brook and Eastern Deeps – which will deliver ore for processing at Vale’s Long Harbour refinery, one of the lowest-emission nickel processing plants in the world.

Production capacity is estimated at 45 000 t/y of nickel with another 20 000 t/y of copper and 2 600 t/y of cobalt.

Potential Job Creation
The expansion project will create 16 000 person years of employment during the five-year construction period, peaking at 4 800 in 2020. Once operational, 1 700 jobs will be created at the underground mine and the Long Harbour processing plant.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Total capital expenditure is estimated at about $1.7-billion: $100-million to $150-million in 2018, $300-million to $350-million in 2019, $450-million to $500-million in 2020 and 2021, $150-million to $200-million in 2022, and less than $50-million in 2023.

Planned Start/End Date
The full ramp-up of the project is expected by the second half of 2026.

Latest Developments
Vale has completed the construction and commissioning of the VBME project. 

The expansion has transitioned Voisey’s Bay from an openpit to an underground mining operation.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Vale, email reception@vale.com.