Deep inside a Canadian mine, researchers made a remarkable discovery in 2016. They discovered the oldest body of water in the world at a depth of about 3 kilometres (1.8 miles). The water surpasses the record for the oldest known water and dates back a staggering 2 billion years. On November 25, 2020, a sample of Kidd mine water was added to the collection at Ingenium in Ottawa. (The Ingenium Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed to protect and showcase Canada’s national science and technology collection)
Kidd Mine is the world’s deepest copper-zinc mine 3,014 m (9,888 ft) below the surface 24 km (15 mi) north of Timmins, Ontario.
Researchers used the chance to explore the mine more deeply after the discovery of the water. To ascertain the age of the water, they examined the gases that were trapped inside the water.
Texas Gulf Sulphur Company’s aerial geophysical survey in March 1959 revealed an anomaly in the Kidd-55 segment that called for ground investigation. In October 1963, a ground electromagnetic survey was carried out, and in November, a drill rig began drilling a 600-foot core sample. The core had an average copper content of 1.15%, an average zinc content of 8.64%, and 3.94 ounces of silver per ton, which was later confirmed by the Union Assay Office in Salt Lake City. In March 1964, a second hole was drilled, and two more were done in early April. After the board of directors meeting on April 16, 1964, a press release announcing the discovery of the copper-zinc-silver ore deposit at Kidd Mine was issued.
Officers of the company engaged in insider trading in Texas Gulf shares during the initial exploration of the site. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s subsequent lawsuit led to a historic ruling that established every market participant’s right to “relatively equal access to material information.”
Open pit mining was used to produce ore until the mine converted to underground mining in the year 1966. Copper, zinc, and a number of other metals are produced at the mine. Together, Kidd Mine and Met Site employ over 850 staff members and contractors. Kidd is widely regarded as a leader in health, safety and environmental performance and has received numerous regional and national awards for its achievements in these areas. The Mine employs the latest technology in its operations and is a significant driver of economic development in Northern Ontario. In 2016, Kidd Operations celebrated its 50th year of operation.