Scarlett Burke a Project Director for Outlook Publishing. Scarlett is responsible for showcasing corporate stories in our digital B2B magazines and Digital Platforms, and sourcing collaborations...
Jack Salter is an in-house writer for North America Outlook Magazine, where he is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine,...
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The Victoria project in Ontario, Canada presents KGHM INTERNATIONAL LTD. with a tremendous opportunity to create the mine of the future. We discuss the development and progress of this strategic asset with the leadership team.
Canada has always been, and still is, one of the most exciting and dynamic spaces for mining in the entire world.
Its robust mining ecosystem, especially in Ontario, a top-rated jurisdiction for mining investment, and more specifically the Sudbury region, fosters collaboration between the province’s major mining players and visionary leadership to share infrastructure and expertise.
The regulatory environment and commitment to sustainable growth make the country a premier destination for future mining investments.
“It obviously differs province by province, but I am personally energized by how our industry is becoming a cornerstone of both regional resilience and global technological progress,” opens Marek Bednarz, President and CEO of KGHMINTERNATIONAL LTD. (KGHM INTERNATIONAL).
Headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, KGHM INTERNATIONAL serves as the global growth engine of Polish multinational mining corporation, KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. (KGHM), a leading copper and silver producer globally.
“Canada’s focus on its Critical Minerals Strategy aligns perfectly with KGHM’s global goals to enable the energy transition through copper, nickel, and other metals that we produce,” Bednarz observes.
KGHM INTERNATIONAL has a significant footprint across North America, with two operating open-pit mines in the US – the Carlota Mine in Arizona and the Robinson Mine in Nevada.
In Canada, the KGHM subsidiary owns two projects – Ajax in British Columbia, which was the first deposit purchased by KGHM in Canada, and Victoria in Ontario’s Sudbury Basin, known as the world’s nickel capital.
“Our Victoria project in the Sudbury region of Ontario is where our Canadian presence is most prominent,” informs Bednarz.
The mining sector is an important element of the Canadian economy, and that importance is even more visible in Ontario, where KGHM INTERNATIONAL is very excited about the development of the Victoria project.
“It’s a strategic asset for KGHM; we’re currently reaching a depth of over 1,400 meters (m) in sinking the shaft,” Bednarz tells us.
“The horizontal drilling we started at the end of Q1 this year is a milestone for the project,” he acclaims.
Work on the Victoria project is conducted by DMC Mining Services (DMC), a KGHM INTERNATIONAL subsidiary and one of North America’s premier underground contractors.
DMC has been responsible for completing the surface setup and is conducting the diamond drilling program that was recently started.
“The DMC team is also responsible for the excavations on the ‘milestone levels’ to set it up so we can place the drills and complete further horizontal drilling to better identify the deposit,” adds Bednarz.
Similar to other Sudbury deposits, it’s rich in copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, gold, and silver.
The deposit was originally discovered in 2010; KGHM INTERNATIONAL decided to take the leap toward advanced exploration five years ago.
Currently, the Victoria project is progressing on schedule and midway through the advanced exploration phase, which includes two major efforts.
“First, with the help of DMC, is sinking the shaft to 1,860 m and mining a bulk sample,” outlines Steve Dunlop, General Manager of Canada and Head of North American Exploration.
“Second is diamond drilling to further define and upgrade the resource; we’re currently drilling from the 1,200 m level. Additionally, we’re continuing the engineering and studies required to support the full mine.
“We will continue to complete advanced exploration and look forward to the next phase of our full production,” Dunlop sets out.
GOOD NEIGHBOR
The Victoria project will be a state-of-the-art operation relying on the latest available technologies, such as battery-powered vehicles and low-emissions systems.
“Our vision is to ensure we’re building tomorrow’s mine for the community. It will be both efficient and have a very small carbon footprint,” acclaims Dunlop.
The project is currently expected to produce more than 1.2 million tons (t) of mill feed annually and have an estimated mine life of 14 years.
Not just a mine, this project is a critical step to securing the minerals needed for the global energy transition and powering the 21st-century economy.
It also gives KGHM INTERNATIONAL the opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable opportunities for local communities and the region.
The Victoria project thrives on the foundation of ‘good neighbor’ values, enjoying strong support from local authorities, Indigenous partnerships, and communities.
“As a local resident myself, I am deeply committed to ensuring this project offers long-term value and sustainable growth for the Sudbury region,” Dunlop acknowledges.
KGHM INTERNATIONAL maintains active and transparent dialogue with Indigenous partners, recognizing that their support is essential to the project’s future and the region’s economic resilience.
“Our goal is to turn natural wealth into a shared success story that respects cultural heritage while providing modern jobs,” Bednarz asserts.
“We take immense pride in the positive impact our team is delivering for both the local community and, more broadly, Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy. It’s inspiring to see the team’s dedication to working hand-in-hand to complete the project.”
Moving through 2026, KGHM INTERNATIONAL’s top priority is the successful advancement of the Victoria project’s shaft sinking and commencement of extended underground drilling.
Another key target is to continue contributing value to KGHM and maintain its role as one of the world’s leading copper producers globally while focusing on asset optimization and cost discipline.
“We are also dedicated to reaching new milestones in safety and digital transformation across all our KGHM INTERNATIONAL assets across Canada and the US, collaborating with local communities around our operations, and strengthening our reputation as a trusted business partner in sustainable mining,” affirms Bednarz.
The subsidiary’s investment strategy, meanwhile, includes modernizing site-wide infrastructure, such as its recently commissioned wastewater treatment plant and high-voltage electrical substations.
Moreover, KGHM INTERNATIONAL is exploring synergies for shared infrastructure with other major miners to improve cost efficiency across its Canadian operations.
“Each of these projects reinforces our position as a leader in the North American critical minerals sector,” closes Dunlop.
This company profile was produced by the editorial team at North America Outlook, a publication within the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing showcases organisations and leadership teams shaping sectors including manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
North America Outlook highlights organisations driving innovation and industry leadership across North America.
Scarlett Burke a Project Director for Outlook Publishing. Scarlett is responsible for showcasing corporate stories in our digital B2B magazines and Digital Platforms, and sourcing collaborations with Business Leaders, Brands, and C-suite Executives to feature in future editions.
Scarlett is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate. Reach out to Scarlett to discover how you and your business could be our next cover story.
Jack Salter is an in-house writer for North America Outlook Magazine, where he is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine, corporate brochures, and the digital platform.
