It's all smiles for the shareholders of North American Palladium now that the company's new mine shaft is in operation at Lac des Iles north of the city. CEO Philip du Toit says the new shaft will allow the ore to be removed faster and will result in considerable savings. He estimates those savings to be as much as 10 to 15 per cent per tonne. Du Toit says the platinum and palladium mine will be in operation until at least 2019 and possibly beyond.