Lupin (Lupin Mine in full) was a gold mine in Kitikmeot Region Nunavut, Canada.
History
The deposit was first discovered by Canadian Nickel Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Inco Limited, during its reconnaissance sampling and mapping activities in 1960. Additional exploration activities were performed between 1961 and 1964. In February 1979, Echo Bay Mines received permission from Inco to perform underground exploration program. The ores from Lupin Mine generally contained slightly more than average amount of gold per ton of rock. The operation lifespan of the mine was estimated to be six years. The decision to move forward to construct the mine was made in August 1980.
Lupin mine opened in 1982 and was originally owned and operated by Echo Bay Mines, who in 2003 became a fully owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation. Approximately 20-25 miners worked on 12-hour shifts. Amenities for the mine workers included a recreational centre with satellite television, racquetball court, sauna, weight room and library. Alcohol was banned at the mine. While food and mine workers were flown in by plane through Lupin Airport, fuel, chemicals and explosives were transported to the mine each winter through Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road. Elgin states that the mine is currently on care and maintenance due to the low price of gold, and that "The mill and all associated infrastructure was properly decommissioned and are in good condition for re-commencement of operations" should market conditions prove favourable.
Although mining activities are currently paused, the mine is still being accessible by road during winter through Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road.
Geology
The lode-containing gold deposit are from Neoarchean era with banded iron formation rocks.