Canadian gold miner Spanish Mountain progresses grid connection study with British Columbia utility
TSX-V-listed emerging gold miner Spanish Mountain Gold has signed a facilities study agreement with British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to connect the Spanish Mountain gold project to the grid.
For president and CEO Peter Mah, the facilities study agreement is a significant milestone toward a construction decision for the project, since secure and reliable grid power is a cornerstone requirement for the operation.
The interconnection of a 60 MW load requires a new BC Hydro 230 kV switching station, which is targeted to be ready for operation by the first half of 2030. The scope of the facilities study includes feasibility design and project definition phases, including engineering design, project management, stakeholder engagement and capital cost estimates. The facilities study is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027.
The company has also announced the appointment of Michael Buchanan as exploration VP, bringing to the position extensive experience in leading large-scale exploration programmes. He most recently worked as exploration director for Teck Resources' Americas segment, where he was responsible for leading a yearly exploration budget of more than $50-million.
Buchanan's earlier career experience includes senior roles at Anglo American in Chile, Peru and Mexico, as well as board director of the Association for Mineral Exploration in British Columbia.
