Giant Mine is a former gold mine, covering 872 hectares, located 12 kilometres from Yellowknife city centre.
From 1948 to 2004, Giant Mine produced 7.6 million ounces of gold. While gold mining in Yellowknife was a significant economic driver, it left a less positive legacy at the Giant Mine site. The processing of gold resulted in the production of approximately 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide, currently stored in rock and concrete vaults. There is also arsenic contamination on the surface.
In 1999, when the mine’s owner Royal Oak Mines Inc. went into receivership, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) took over the site and is holding it in care and maintenance mode until the remediation plan is approved. In that time, these 60-year-old buildings have continued to deteriorate, some to the extent requiring extra work, as outlined in the site stabilization plan.
With site stabilization work scheduled to begin this summer, and the full remediation plan implementation in the next couple of years, this contract allows the project team to increase its ability to respond to changing site requirements.
In addition to being a northern contractor, Clark Builders has committed to providing opportunities for local Aboriginal employment and businesses. For example, all work packages will include Aboriginal Opportunities Considerations (AOCs) to encourage Aboriginal participation.
This two-year contract , valued at more than $7.7 million, provides for the supply of all labour, equipment and materials necessary for the work required. Work under this contract may include, but is not limited to, upgrading the effluent treatment plant, decommissioning aged electrical infrastructure, investigative drilling, constructing a storage facility and stabilizing portions of Baker Creek. The contract will extend until March 31, 2015.
In keeping with the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring best value for Canadians through fair, open, transparent procurement practices, this tender was posted to MERX.
