Mining activity for the Back Mountain Project is expected to move forward this summer after Lafarge was able to complete some of the smaller access roads over the winter months.
The intent of this three-year project is to extend the north wall of the Exshaw quarry to provide access to the limestone reserves the plant needs for the future. With work commencing, community members can expect an increase in blasting during the day. No blasting will be conducted on Sundays. Updates will continue to be made on lafargeexshaw.ca/plant-updates. If you would like to receive email updates on blasting operations, please contact info.exshaw@lafargeholcim.com.
To minimize disruption in the community and to differentiate from regular production blasts, the Back Mountain Project will utilize three blows from an air horn as a signal instead of its usual siren. The air horn will be quieter. The siren will still be used for regular production-related blasts. As usual, the seismograph at the Exshaw Water Treatment Plant will continue to record all ground vibration and air overpressure. The existing quarry has approximately seven years of limestone reserves remaining at current production rates.
Lafarge wants to remind residents that mining operations have started on the northeast section of the quarry. Please avoid the west side of Exshaw creek because boulders from the quarry operations could roll down the hill without warning. For your own safety kindly stay on Prospector Trail while passing this area.