Grant: Canada Research Chairs

There is an increasing number of mining projects being developed in northern and remote regions of Canada. The development of such mining projects brings numerous unique technical, environmental, and social acceptability challenges. However, few solutions have been specifically developed to overcome the challenges associated with the severe seasonal freezing and thawing as well as permafrost conditions of northern Canada. The main goal of this program is to develop practical, climate-resilient mine waste management and reclamation solutions specifically designed for cold regions. This program is organized around three research objectives: (1) develop mine waste management practices that consider the specific conditions of cold regions; (2) adapt design criteria and increase the robustness of mine reclamation approaches in the face of climate change; and (3) develop new multi-scale, integrated tools for monitoring mine waste storage facilities and engineered cover systems. The proposed experimental approaches combine state-of-the-art measurement techniques with unique in situ results and original numerical modelling approaches. Several technological advances are proposed in cold region experimental geotechnics and geoenvironmental engineering, advanced numerical modelling, remote sensing, and monitoring applied to mine waste management and reclamation. The results will enhance our ability to sustainably design and manage critical mining structures under conditions specific to cold regions, from operation to post-closure. The program will therefore help the mining industry, government agencies, and consultants to better manage mine waste, reduce environmental impacts, and protect fragile ecosystems in cold regions. The work is geared towards solving practical, concrete problems faced by the mining industry operating in Canada and will provide much-needed expertise to the Canadian mining community.