Arcelormittal Executes a Historic Blast at Its Mont-wright Mining Complex

Mont-Wright, November 7, 2025 – ArcelorMittal Mining Canada (“ArcelorMittal”) marked a historic milestone by executing a blast of exceptional size at its Mont-Wright mining complex: 8.2 million tonnes of rock were blasted in a single shot, making it the largest in terms of volume loaded on a single drill panel, with a record 3 million kilograms of explosives detonated in hard rock mining. 

This monumental blast, nearly double the previous internal record of 4.2 million tonnes, is an unprecedented technical, logistical and human achievement for the ArcelorMittal mining teams. It simultaneously illustrates made-in-Quebec know-how, innovation in mining practices and exemplary collaboration among the engineering, planning, operations, health & safety and environmental teams.

Safety, environment and innovation at the heart of the operation

Every stage of the project adhered to the highest standards in health & safety and environment, as well as ArcelorMittal’s fundamental values.

The explosives used included an innovative additive that reduces gas emissions to minimize the environmental footprint of the operation.

The safety protocol involved a meticulous evacuation plan and extraordinary inter-team coordination for guaranteed protection of the personnel and equipment.

A team achievement in the service of performance and innovation

“This historic blast shows just how far we can go when we innovate and work together, putting safety and the environment at the heart of our operations. It’s a collective accomplishment that we can all be proud of,” asserted Map Mobwano, President and CEO.

The operation, which took place in Pit A, in the sector called Mont Survie, required several weeks of painstaking planning involving experts in mining engineering, geology and surveying. Thanks to advanced blast sequencing technology, the teams were able to precisely control the activation of thousands of detonators, ensuring the stability of the terrain and reducing the seismic and environmental impacts.

About ArcelorMittal Infrastructure Canada G.P.
and ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P.

Subsidiaries of ArcelorMittal, a leading steel company and one of the five biggest iron ore producers in the world, ArcelorMittal Infrastructure Canada (“AMIC”) and ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P. (“AMMC”) are two complementary companies operating in Quebec’s North Shore region. AMIC ensures the transportation of concentrate between Mont-Wright and Port-Cartier and operates a seaport at Port-Cartier, allowing transportation and shipping of AMMC products to four continents. AMMC produces concentrate and iron oxide pellets for the steel market. The two companies employ 2,900 people, making ArcelorMittal the biggest employer on the North Shore.

To learn more: mines-infrastructure-arcelormittal.com