Red Chris Mine Dewatering Project

Red Chris Mine Dewatering Project

Northwest British Columbia

Project Overview

Inner City Diesel was contracted for the second consecutive year to support open-pit dewatering operations at Newmont’s Red Chris Mine in Northwest BC.

The goal was to optimize the existing dewatering system through teamwork, experience, and operational precision. We successfully managed over 400,000 m3 of water, exceeding targets and although the project is currently on hold and set to resume activity in 2027, Inner City Diesel has proven once again that they’re a leader in dewatering and dredging operations at this point in the project’s timeline.

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Location & Site Conditions

The Red Chris Mine is a remote open-pit copper and gold operation set in the rugged terrain of Northwest British Columbia.

Its remote location, combined with the scale of operations, required a reliable, adaptable dewatering solution capable of handling large volumes of water under ever-changing site conditions.

Key factors:

  • Limited pit access points
  • Unpredictable weather conditions and seasonal shifts
  • Challenging terrain that demanded equipment durability and logistical precision
  • High production demands require minimal downtime

Our Role

Inner City Diesel provided full dewatering system management, including:

  • On-site setup, operation, and maintenance of pumps and discharge systems
  • Coordination with mine operations to ensure uninterrupted pit access
  • Continuous water level monitoring and system optimization
  • On-demand troubleshooting and mechanical support

Building on insights from our first season onsite, the team refined system layout, flow management, equipment maintenance, and crew coordination to maximize performance and reliability throughout the season.

Why Inner City Diesel Was Chosen

Newmont required a partner with:

  • Field-proven experience in high-volume dewatering
  • A team committed to safety, efficiency, and collaboration
  • Technical precision and operational reliability in remote environments

Inner City Diesel’s track record and expertise in heavy water management made us the natural choice for this multi-phase program. Our ability to combine planning, flexibility, and operational muscle ensured the project’s success despite the mine’s logistical and environmental challenges.

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Challenges

So far, this project came with a unique set of obstacles that the Inner City Diesel team has been able to navigate and overcome the following:

  • Moving high volumes of water through limited pit access points
  • Maintaining 24/7 operations with minimal downtime
  • Adapting to unpredictable weather and seasonal shifts
  • Preventing pump blockages and equipment failures over long runs

Through meticulous planning, proactive maintenance, and strong communication, the team overcame every obstacle, keeping operations smooth and efficient throughout the season.

Project Timeline

Mobilization: Early 2025

Active Dewatering: Full 2025 season

Completion: Estimated 2027

Inner City Diesel is set to complete the project in 2027.

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Results & Impact

  • Successfully moved over 400,000 m3 of water, surpassing targets
  • Minimal downtime throughout the duration of the project
  • Earned client trust and extended an invitation for ICD to return for 2027 operations
  • Improved system efficiency compared to Year 1

This project strengthened Inner City Diesel’s reputation as a dependable partner in large-scale dewatering and environmental water management across Canada’s mining regions.

Equipment Highlight | Heavy-Duty Pumps and Systems

Global Pump Fleet: Standard Trash, High Head, Centrifugal Wellpoint, and Submersible Pumps

  • Fully maintained and optimized for long runs
  • Automatic priming and high-efficiency designs
  • Rugged, reliable, and capable of handling 400,000 m3 of water

Inner City Diesel’s equipment expertise and proactive maintenance kept the system running without a hitch, even under challenging conditions.

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The Takeaway

Through teamwork, innovation, and precision, Inner City Diesel delivered a dedicated season at Red Chris Mine, setting new performance heights and paving the way for future programs.

Our commitment to integrity, efficiency, adaptability, and reliability continues to make us the go-to partner for heavy-duty, remote mine dewatering and fluid management solutions across Canada.