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Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia, Natural Forces studying pumped storage and solar PV at gold mine

Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia, Natural Forces studying pumped storage and solar PV at gold mine

Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia (a St Barbara company) and Natural Forces are working together to explore the viability of a renewable energy hub at the Touquoy Gold Mine in Moose River, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The two companies will conduct a feasibility study to explore repurposing the mine site to host a closed-loop pumped hydro energy storage system combined with solar photovoltaic panels. This innovative approach to final land use at the Touquoy Mine would establish a closed-loop system pumping water from the open-pit lake up to a reservoir onsite for storage of water, ready for hydro energy generation on release of water back to the open pit when required. The concept is sustainable and reliable and would ideally operate in conjunction with a high-capacity solar PV system on site, according to a release.

“At Atlantic Mining, we are committed to sustainable development. Since closing Touquoy, we have been looking at potential alternative land uses as we move into mine reclamation phase,” said Andrew Strelein, managing director and chief executive officer of Atlantic Mining. “This initiative with Natural Forces is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to deploy innovative solutions in all aspects of our operations, including closure. This could be a unique contributor to the renewables-based electricity supply objectives of Nova Scotia with an important and significant source of stored energy.”

The feasibility study is scheduled to begin this month, with a conceptual design expected by the end of the year.

Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia and Natural Forces said they are committed to community engagement and meaningful relationships with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia if the concept is viable. Atlantic Mining has 11 community partnership agreements with local non-profit organizations and a commitment to environmental remediation. Natural Forces brings over two decades of experience in renewable energy to the table, with a track record of partnerships with First Nations across Canada.

Atlantic Mining has gold exploration projects and development projects in Canada.

Natural Forces is an independent power producer that specializes in the delivery of renewable energy projects in Canada, Ireland and France through community partnerships. The company has about 300 MW of operational renewable energy projects in Canada, with ongoing efforts to advance wind, solar and hydropower initiatives in all three countries.

Originally published in Hydro Review.