Onaping Depth Project at Craig Mine celebrates major milestones to advance the future of mining in Ontario and Canada

• Shaft completion and access to ore body lay out path toward project completion and extension of nickel production beyond 2040
• Fully battery-electric fleet advances safety, automation, and sustainable mining

SUDBURY, ON, Aug. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- Glencore Canada today held a special event alongside government, Indigenous, industry, union and community leaders to celebrate investment in deep mining in Sudbury. Today's event highlighted two major milestones, namely shaft completion and accessing the ore body at the Onaping Depth Project at Craig Mine.

Located within Craig Mine as part of Glencore's Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO), the Onaping Depth Project is a high-grade nickel and copper deposit located nearly 2,600 meters below surface – the deepest we have ever dug in Sudbury – that will help secure mine production in the Sudbury Basin while supporting Ontario and Canada's critical minerals ambitions.

Completion of the mine shaft, which was built from the bottom of the old Craig Mine, fully connects surface to the Onaping Depth ore body and provides the infrastructure needed to support underground mining. With this, the first mining areas (stopes) have been prepared, and ore can start being extracted from that area for the first time. These are critical steps towards production ramp up and eventual project completion in 2027.

Onaping Depth will operate one of the most advanced battery-electric underground mining fleets in the world. The all-electric fleet ranges from the mining equipment that will drill and prepare the mining face and extract ore, to service and support vehicles that move people, supplies and equipment. Eliminating diesel emissions means less ventilation and cooling requirements, which are traditionally among the largest energy demands in underground mining. The use of battery electric vehicles and the benefits they bring is helping to support both Glencore's broader sustainability objectives and Canada's net zero ambitions.

"The Onaping Depth Project at Craig Mine reflects Glencore Canada's commitment to sustaining our integrated operations in Sudbury," said Peter Xavier, Chief Operating Officer, Canada Metals, Glencore. "Together with our concentrator and smelter, Onaping Depth supports our long-term presence in the region and strengthens the future of mining in the Sudbury Basin."

"By extending mining activities to greater depths, we are unlocking new opportunities and resources that will contribute to the continued success of our operations. Operating at this depth has been made possible through our commitment to innovation, including investments in battery electric equipment, remote operations, and automation technologies. Reaching these important project milestones is also a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our employees and contractors, who collectively contributed more than nine million work hours without a lost-time injury. This outstanding safety performance highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every aspect of the project is completed safely," he added.

Representing a nearly $2 billion investment since construction began in 2019, the Onaping Depth Project has generated roughly 7,000 unique jobs and created opportunities for skilled tradespeople, contractors, suppliers and mining professionals across Northern Ontario. Once fully operational, the mine will support around 400 permanent jobs while extending nickel production in the Sudbury Basin beyond 2040.

Glencore's Sudbury INO, which includes mine, mill and smelter operations, currently employs more than 1,000 people and contributed nearly $400 million in direct GDP to Ontario's economy, while spending more than $650 million on goods and services from Ontario suppliers in 2024 alone.

"With access to first ore at the Onaping Depth Project, we're strengthening Ontario's global advantage as a supplier of the high-grade nickel the world needs. Congratulations to Glencore Canada and the City of Greater Sudbury on this important milestone for the workers of Northern Ontario and the future of Ontario's mining sector."

  -    Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

"A massive signal of confidence as Glencore invests nearly $2 billion to bring a significant new source of Ontario nickel to market -- a boost for Canadian workers and sovereignty."

  -    Stephen Lecce, Minister of Mines and Energy, Province of Ontario

"Our government is proud to support investments that unlock Northern Ontario's incredible potential and build a more competitive and resilient future for the North, Ontario and Canada. Glencore's investment will maintain and help secure Ontario's role in the global critical minerals market while creating new opportunities for workers, businesses and communities." 

  -   George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, Province of Ontario

"Climate action and economic strength go hand in hand. By supporting the development and adoption of cleaner industrial technologies, our federal government is giving Canadian businesses the tools they need to reduce emissions, compete globally, and lead in the industries of tomorrow."

  -   The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, Government of Canada

As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, Onaping Depth strengthens Ontario's and Canada's position as leading suppliers of responsibly produced nickel and copper, key components in technologies that support electrification, advanced manufacturing and energy security. Glencore appreciates the support of all levels of government in fostering policy environments that encourage investment in responsible natural resource development.

Sudbury INO has been part of Ontario's economic fabric for nearly 100 years and is deeply integrated with the province's suppliers and skilled workers who make the operations possible. Nickel and copper production from the Onaping Depth Project at Craig Mine will ensure this legacy continues.

www.glencore.ca 

Notes for Editors

About Glencore in Canada 

Glencore is a leading natural resources company with a growing presence in Canada. With ~11,000 employees across eight mines and five metal processing facilities, we produce and recycle critical minerals, including nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt, platinum group metals and metallurgical coal.

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About Glencore plc

Glencore is one of the world's largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 commodities. Through a network of assets, customers and suppliers that spans the globe, we produce, process, recycle, source, market and distribute the commodities that advance everyday life.

With over 140,000 employees and contractors and a strong footprint in over 30 countries in both established and emerging regions for natural resources, our marketing and industrial activities are supported by a global network of offices.

Glencore's customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation, battery manufacturing and oil sectors. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities.

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