Grant: Industrial Research Chairs

The NSERC/Syncrude Industrial Research Chair in Mine Closure Geochemistry for Dr. Matthew B. J. Lindsay will provide a better understanding of the geochemistry of oil sands mine wastes within mine closure landscapes. Oil sands mining has disturbed more than 950 km2 of land in northern Alberta, Canada, and will disturb a further 450 km2 with approved new developments. Currently, less than 10 % of the disturbed area has been permanently reclaimed and only 1 km2 has received certification. The goal of oil sands mine reclamation is to create mine closure landscapes with land capability equivalent to pre-mining conditions. Final closure landscapes will have multiple connected landforms created from various mine waste and overburden materials. Water moving through these landscapes will ultimately discharge to the environment. Therefore, understanding the geochemical characteristics and evolution of these materials within mine closure landscapes is critical for minimizing long-term environmental and financial risks associated with oil sands development. This research will focus on the geochemistry of reactive wastes, such as froth treatment tailings (FTT), and how they interact with other materials in closure landscapes. Specific research activities fall under four related themes: (1) mineralogy and geochemistry of solid waste materials; (2) geochemical evolution of closure landforms; (3) geochemical stabilization of reactive wastes; and (4) passive water treatment in closure landscapes. This research will explore strategies to reduce these negative impacts on water quality. Overall, this research will reduce the environmental impact and financial liability of oil sands mining to ensure Canadians can continue to benefit from oil sands development in the future.