Sustainable Mining - a Case Study in Canadian Practice

Abstract

This paper first discusses the basic attributes of sustainable mining and the responsibilities of various steak holders including mining companies, governments, and engineers. It is followed by a brief overview of the current practice on regulations, inspections, waste management and mine closure planning in Canadian mining industry. A case study is then presented as an example of sustainable mining where mine planning, mineral recovery, environment protection, reclamation and community development were integral parts of the overall strategy. A comparison of the mine site before and after mining is made to demonstrate the "best practice" in modern mining.

Mining and Planetary Health: A GeoHealth‐Led Special Collection

“…In many parts of the world, increased environmental awareness is driving novel and efficient remediation and management of mine wastes. Community action is also helping to support sustainable mining practices (Zou & Lin, ). The importance of these activities is emphasized by the large number of current research projects in diverse disciplines and outputs and global initiatives for future mining and environmental and health protection (e.g., United Nations Initiative on artisanal and small‐scale gold mining, http://www.unep.org/chemicalsandwaste/global-mercury-partnership/reducing-mercury-artisanal-and-small-scale-gold-mining-asgm/meetings-7; Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, http://www.responsiblemining.net/; WHO International Programme on Chemical Safety, http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/ulab/en/).…”

“…In many parts of the world, increased environmental awareness is driving novel and efficient remediation and management of mine wastes. Community action is also helping to support sustainable mining practices (Zou & Lin, 2017). The importance of these activities is emphasized by the large number of current research projects in diverse disciplines and outputs and global initiatives for future mining and environmental and health protection (e.g.,…”