EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

Question: What is the life cycle of a mine?

Answer: A mine evolves in four phases: exploration, development, production and reclamation–a process that takes 10 to 20 years to bring the average mine to production. Billions of dollars will be invested and thousands of jobs created.

Exploration: hidden treasures and great expectations

A quest for hidden treasure, every new mine begins as an exploration project. Before setting foot on the ground, geologists review existing data including maps, geological surveys and assessment reports. If additional exploration is warranted, a mining claim is staked. Next, detailed ground and airborne geophysical surveys are conducted. Geochemical analysis of soil and rock samples takes place. Environmental data starts to be collected.

"The next step is to put a drill on the property," says Rodney Orr, vicepresident of Golden Band Resources, a Saskatchewan gold mining company. Over three decades, the geologist has managed domestic and foreign exploration programs for uranium, gold and diamond companies. Golden Band has explored the La Ronge gold belt in Saskatchewan for 16 years. "We are now getting into production. It can be a long process," Orr says.

In British Columbia, Geophysical surveys are underway at Entrée Gold’s Ann Mason property in Nevada. Extensive drilling will follow. The Vancouverbased mining company estimates the claim holds over seven billion pounds of copper.

Development: the paper work stage

During mine development, data gathered during exploration is used to plan and design the mine. Prefeasibility and feasibility studies determine the profitability of the mine and identify risks. Consultations with government agencies and local communities begin to address their requirements.

Environmental baseline studies are conducted in preparation for mandatory government environmental assessment. Mining companies must demonstrate to federal and provincial authorities that environmental impacts are understood and can be mitigated.

Pending the outcome of these reviews, permits and licenses are obtained.

Construction of the mine, its mill and related infrastructure can now begin. This is the most expensive stage and biggest job creator in the mining cycle.

To raise development capital, mining companies often enter into joint ventures or seek outside investors.

Hunter Dickinson, headquartered in Vancouver, has an enviable track record of international mine development.

Production: rock on

This is where mining really becomes fun and profi table. During the production phase of a mine, ore is extracted, minerals are separated from waste rock, waste tailings are deposited and saleable minerals shipped. Furthermore, exploration activities are ongoing, to replenish ore reserves and extend the mine’s life.

A leader in production is the Eldorado Gold Corporation which has all its bases covered. The international gold producer, based in Vancouver, has four operating mines in China and Turkey, two mines under construction, one in late stage development, and extensive exploration programs in Brazil, China, Turkey and Nevada.

Reclamation: the final chapter

After a mine closes, reclamation technologies are employed to restore the land to its original environmental footprint.

"A plan for closure and reclamation has to be submitted and approved up front as part of the initial regulatory process," Orr says.

Teck Resources is taking an ecosystem approach in reclaiming its Highland Valley copper mine near Logan Lake, B.C. Native trees, shrubs and grasses were planted. Tailing ponds and pit lakes were rehabilitated and now support a successful sport fi shery. Close to 200 bird species inhabit the grassland and wetland habitats.

Environmental monitoring continues long after mine closure. "The goal is to make sure the site is once again a healthy environment," Orr says.

JEANNIE ARMSTRONG

editorial@mediaplanet.com

(Source: Vancouver Sun's Mining Supplement Magazine 2010)