Grant: Canada Research Chairs

Responsible management of water resources is nowadays a major environmental challenge worldwide. Questions relating to water management and treatment are critical in every stage of a mining project, from the initial public consultations aimed at assessing its social acceptability to the long-term management of closed sites. The proposed 7-year research program, as a continuation of the work started in the previous Canada Research Chair, Tier 2 (2011-2021) in mine water treatment, has 6 specific objectives: 1) improve the characterization and treatment of contaminants of emerging concern in mine water, with an emphasis on critical and strategic minerals (CSM) extraction; 2) improve mine water management, through controlled mixing and segregation, to reduce costs and impacts on receiving natural waters; 3) improve process performance and contaminants stability in solids from mine water treatment with residual materials, within a circular economy; 4) optimize mine water reuse and green energy recovery towards zero liquid discharge goal; 5) integrate upscaling (lab-pilot-site) effects in water treatment design and management strategies; 6) optimize water management and treatment strategies for the long-term environmental sustainability of mining in a changing climate. This original and innovative research program relies on: i) the optimal use of residual materials, available near mining sites, to reduce transportation costs and residual pollution; ii) the integration of scale effects and climatic instabilities in the design and operation criteria of treatment systems and water management strategies, to improve their robustness, increase their durability and reduce their risk of failures; iii) the use of treatment sludge and brines for pollution control and green energy production; iv) the development of methods and practices adapted to responsible mining of CSM. Considering UQAT's strategic location in the heart of a large mining region, its expertise and international reputation on this major research theme in the strategic plan, the support of industrial and government partners, the existence of state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff, and social importance of water quality issues, this program is of critical importance and will allow the training of at least 35-40 highly qualified personnel. The findings are expected to improve the design and long-term efficiency of treatment systems for mine water and its sustainable management.