Research centre to explore mine covers

SASKATOON — Western Canada is dotted with more than 100 mine sites, and about 50 of them will need to be covered after they close.

The Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) at the University of Saskatchewan is establishing the first research centre to explore new designs for mine reclamation. Western Economic Diversification Canada will contribute $1.85 million to the GIWS to establish a mine overlay site testing facility.

The idea is to create mine waste cover from natural materials that can mimic natural hill slopes and landscapes, and examine how they change over time, said Jeffrey McDonnell, lead investigator and associate director of the GIWS.

It will take anywhere from decades to more than a century to sustain plant life and mimic natural hill slopes, even with mine reclamation, he noted. Canada has more than 10,000 abandoned mines.

Traditionally, mine reclamation involved applying certain methods in the field, then monitoring them over years before deciding if they were the right approach, he said.

McDonnell said the new facility’s approach will involve a climate-controlled building to accelerate the process, allowing researchers to streamline new systems in a timely and cost-effective way.

“You’re always going to have this waste rock and tailings that will remain after a mine closure,” he said, noting tailings come in many different forms specific to the type of mine.

For example, a lead, zinc or silver mine produces acidic tailings. The cover system would theoretically prevent water and oxygen from reaching the tailings, which would prevent acid from leaching into bodies of water.

“If it’s an oilsand situation, waste material if you like, it’s more like trying not to have water get in,” he said, noting that if oil gets to the waste, it leeches out salts and other substances that harm the environment.

Karen Chad, vice-president of research for the U of S, said the facility will ensure mines are closed safely so local surfaces and groundwaters are protected.

The mine waste covers will be created to meet mining companies’ needs and will focus on cold-weather specific designs.

Construction of the facility is expected to be completed later this year.

“THE IDEA IS TO CREATE MINE WASTE COVER FROM NATURAL MATERIALS THAT CAN MIMIC NATURAL HILL SLOPES AND LANDSCAPES, AND EXAMINE HOW THEY CHANGE OVER TIME,” JEFFREY MCDONNELL