Mine Underground Electrical Substation

Glencore Matagami Mine faced the need for a stable foundation for an underground electrical substation located 870 meters below ground, accessible only via a 6 km ramp. Traditional solutions like shotcrete and concrete were considered but posed logistical challenges due to the confined space and the weight of the equipment to be installed.

The Titan Solution

Concrete Canvas CC13 was chosen for its ease of transport, installation, and structural integrity. The substrate—mainly hard rock—was cleared of loose material to ensure a solid bond. CC13 was dispensed using a forklift and spreader beam, cut into 10-meter lengths, and laid longitudinally with butt joints to maintain a flat surface. An additional layer of CC13 was installed directly under the substation, hydrated, and mechanically fastened to increase the total thickness to 26mm.

Concrete Canvas® (CC) is a Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM), a factory-produced material combining cement within geosynthetic layers that hardens when hydrated for erosion control and weed suppression.

Achievement

The entire installation, including preparation, was completed in approximately three days. The CC13 foundation now supports over 12,600 lbs of equipment. Encouraged by the success, Glencore plans to use Concrete Canvas for future substations and ventilation wall construction, with minor improvements to streamline the process.