Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) Program

With the large number of mines opening in Northern Canada, the effect of cold temperature on various technologies is of increasing importance.  The report Cold Regions Cover System Design Technical Guidance Document (MEND 1.61.5c, 2012) outlines the current state-of-knowledge of soil cover system design in cold regions, best practises on how a cover system design should be conducted, and a summary of information that should be provided during the design process. 

A high-level risk analysis on the risks that climate change poses to mining operations is provided in Climate Change and Acid Rock Drainage – Risks for the Canadian Mining Sector (MEND 1.61.7, 2011).  Climate change risks related to acidic drainage arise from the impacts of a changing climate on water-management structures and activities, on waste-impoundment structures, and on the hydrologic / hydrogeologic conditions affecting the flow of water and contaminants at mine sites. The assessment examines the impacts for specific infrastructure elements and determines which are most probable and significant for mining operations and for society.

The Study to Identify BATEA for the Management and Control of Effluent Quality from Mines (MEND 3.50.1, 2014) identified the best available technologies economically achievable (BATEA) to manage and control effluent from metal, diamond, and coal mines in Canada.  Effluent management and treatment technologies employed at mine operations were described, and then screened against a set of criteria for consideration as BATEA.  Ultimately, BATEA for any given mining operation is site-specific, as there are a multitude of geographic and operational factors that affect effluent quality, economic viability and technical feasibility.

The Study of Tailings Management Technologies (MEND 2.50.1, 2017) examined and compared alternatives to conventional slurry for the management of tailings (e.g., thickened, paste and filtered tailings). Tailings dewatering process technologies that are currently used were examined. Strengths, limitations and physical and chemical risks were considered across the entire life-cycle of tailings facilities, from design and construction through to long-term post-closure.

The study How to Assess Possible Biological Effects of Subaqueous Disposal of Mine Tailings:  Literature Review and Recommended Tools and Methodologies (MEND 2.19.1) provides guidance on tools and methodologies to be used for future field studies into the biology and ecology of submerged tailings.

The report is now complete and available on the MEND website: http://mend-nedem.org/mend-report/how-to-assess-potential-biological-effects-of-subaqueous-disposal-of-mine-tailings-literature-review-and-recommended-tools-and-methodologies-2018/

Workshops are considered the best route for efficient transfer of technologies and workshops.  MEND has hosted three ICARDs (International Conference on ARD), and co-sponsors the annual BC-MEND ML/ARD workshop, which features case studies and technical presentations on emerging and current issues.  Proceedings are posted at http://bc-mlard.ca/.