Best Practices in Environmental Management

Canada is a world leader in environmental management in mining, and the Canadian "brand" is recognized internationally. CanmetMINING is engaged in the development, improvement evaluation and demonstration of technologies as they pertain to environmental stewardship within the mining industry. Activities mostly focus on environmental issues relating to tailings and waste rock and in addition to the laboratory and field-based research that is undertaken, also includes the review of environmental assessments and the transfer of Canadian expertise and technologies at an international level. Environmental technologies are a very important aspect of maintaining a strong and sustainable mining sector in Canada and abroad. Minimizing the environmental impact of mining leads to healthier communities and supports the vital contribution that mining makes to the everyday lives of Canadians.

Current and recent project areas include:

Assessment of mine waste management practices in Canada: In collaboration with other Government Departments, CanmetMINING is reviewing mine waste management practices in Canada, with the aim of identifying how well technologies have actually performed compared to their predicted function. For example, working with technical staff from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, studies are underway to investigate radium release from uranium mine tailings and appropriate management strategies. Another study examined the mobility of arsenic in gold tailings following reclamation with an organic cover.

Alternative binders for paste backfill: A patented greenhouse gas-friendly method of improving the stability of mine backfill using the waste products of mining, processing and smelting was developed at CanmetMINING. Further testing on strength, stability and metal leaching continues, along with efforts to develop commercial tests of the technology.

Reclamation options for secondary land use post mining: Mine wastes are typically rehabilitated with the aim of establishing vegetation communities similar to what occurred at or near the site previously. Options are being examined to develop other land use capabilities for mine waste, including the establishment of agricultural land for biofuel feedstock, carbon capture and other energy-related functions.

Dust and soil characterization and remediation: As part of the Federal Government's strategy to reduce the risk to the health of Canadians from exposure to chemicals, CanmetMINING is working with Health Canada to characterize cobalt and zinc found in dust and soil originating from metal mining, smelting and refining and other consumer applications (e.g. paint). The research is developing new information regarding bioaccessibility of these metals and their compounds.