Gahcho Kué says less idling has saved the mine $3.5M in under a year

The NWT’s Gahcho Kué mine says technology to limit huge vehicles idling for hours on end has saved more than $3 million in less than a year.

As well as being the territory’s largest employers, the diamond mines are also huge sources of emissions.

In a newsletter circulated this week, the Gahcho Kué mine – co-owned by De Beers and Mountain Province Diamonds – said temperature-tracking devices had cut down on vehicle idling in the coldest weather.

“Since launching in January, the Idle Initiative has saved approximately $3.5 million through reduced fuel use and maintenance costs,” the newsletter stated.

According to Gahcho Kué, massive 830e haul trucks were previously left running during cold temperatures in a bid to avoid them becoming so cold that their engines were damaged or they couldn’t be readily started.

The new devices automatically start the trucks’ engines when temperatures drop to -20C.

“Five units used last winter saved 209,000 litres of fuel and avoided 565 tonnes of GHG emissions,” the mine stated, using an initialism for greenhouse gases.

The program also uses generators for light vehicles to “warm up passenger compartments in just a few minutes.”

“In addition, there has been a site-wide awareness campaign focused on raising awareness of the importance of reducing unnecessary idling,” the mine stated.