While there hasn’t been much public discussion about Kimberley’s proposed Sun Mine — an industrial grid-connected solar energy project at the former Sullivan Mine Concentrator site — much has been going on behind the scenes this past spring and winter.
In fact, the project is now entering the detailed engineering phase to establish the final design, full costing and scheduling.
The City has put out a request for engineering consultants, suppliers and contractors to submit an expression of interest outlining their qualifications for providing goods and services to the SunMine project.
Mayor Ron McRae says that it’s a small step forward in the process, but it’s also a large one for the project itself.
“We are trying to get an exact fix on costing so that if we do take the decision to move forward, we will know that it will be a sustainable project.
“Everything so far is looking really good, but we must do due diligence. All three partners (the City of Kimberley, Teck and Eco Smart) and are of the same mind.
“We want to make sure the Sun Mine is viable, which we believe it to be.”
McRae says that it is hoped that there could be a decision made before the 2014 construction season in order to get started next spring.