Quadra Group Ltd. and Octium Solutions Inc. on Nov. 15 reported investing in a Malartic, Quebec facility project that will expand railway infrastructure to CN’s main line. The aim: to “enhance the transportation of bulk chemical commodities (both liquid and dry) to mining customers throughout the region, as well as in Ontario, supporting hard rock mining operations in the Canadian shield and the growing resource extraction sector,” the companies said.
According to Quadra and Octium, the project will add 2,000 feet of rail capacity to the facility’s existing 1,500 feet. New facility features will include a 6,500 square-foot heated warehouse for short- and long-term storage and transloading services with the ability to shunt railcars on-site. The project is expected to be completed and begin operations by the end of this month.
“We are excited to support the mining industry with this new rail infrastructure,” Octium President and CEO Pierre Thivierge said. “Our investment will enhance supply chain reliability for our mining customers, ensuring they have access to the bulk chemical products they need for their operations. This rail investment will help to de-risk the region by providing local storage and an alternative to road freight, which is currently being used to move bulk chemical products into the Abitibi market [in western Quebec]. Lastly, moving bulk chemical products by rail will help customers with their greenhouse gas emission targets.”
