Luce Mine in 2001 - 3

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The first thing that has to be done when starting a new pit is removal of vegetation. Next the overburden is removed to reach the minable ore. Next holes are drilled which will later be filled with explosive slurry. Before the blast, the drilling equipment is evacuated to avoid damage. Since both the drills and the shovels are electric this is quite a long, arduous process, because the cables that power the equipment (even in transit) have to be moved as well. When the equipment is relocated, the site is blasted. When the dust settles, the shovels slowly make their way back to the pit and start loading the trucks.

The lake to the left is Luce Lake and the hill to the right is the beginning of Luce ore pit. As can be seen in this photo, they still have quite a ways (several years) to go before reaching the level of Luce lake. When they do, the fish will be relocated, the water running into the lake will be diverted, and the lake drained. Eventually this pit will be a deep crevice in the ground similar to Smallwood or Humphrey pit.