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Rio Tinto’s Kemano Second Tunnel (T2) Project

September 1, 2021

The BC Works’ Kitimat aluminum smelter relies on hydroelectric power from the Kemano Powerhouse, which is located 75km southeast of Kitimat and is only accessible by air or sea. The T2 project commenced in 1989; since then, 8.4km of T2 had been bored, however 7.6km of boring was still required for the completion of the tunnel.

Project Details:

• $600 million project
• Purpose-built Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) – 190m long, 6.5 m diameter, 1,300 tons
• 250,000 m³ volume of rock excavated
• Collaboration with the Haisla Nation and Cheslatta Carrier Nation

Our Scope – In September 2021, we were engaged in a competitive selection process to bid on the removal of 6,300 tons of metals material and debris that consisted of 7km of rail, the dismantled tunnel boring machine, pipes, sea cans and other debris. The client required significant reporting throughout the course of the 6-month project; as such, we required a robust project management and operational team.

Achievements

We successfully secured the project through a competitive bidding process by demonstrating our ability to work in remote environments, our access to unique equipment and local relationships to support the work. Our Social Purpose Commitment and Indigenous People’s Commitment Policy align with their values, commitments and operational practices. We successfully completed the projects in a remote location with extreme weather conditions, removing 250 tons of unexpected nonferrous material. Communication with our offices and yards could only take place in the evening due to lack of cell reception.