Grant: Industrial Research Chairs

The NSERC/Syncrude Industrial Research Chair in Mine Closure Geochemistry for Dr. Matthew B. J. Lindsaywill provide a better understanding of the geochemistry of oil sands mine wastes within mine closurelandscapes. Oil sands mining has disturbed more than 950 km2 of land in northern Alberta, Canada, and willdisturb a further 450 km2 with approved new developments. Currently, less than 10 % of the disturbed area hasbeen permanently reclaimed and only 1 km2 has received certification. The goal of oil sands mine reclamationis to create mine closure landscapes with land capability equivalent to pre-mining conditions. Final closurelandscapes 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, understandingthe geochemical characteristics and evolution of these materials within mine closure landscapes is critical forminimizing long-term environmental and financial risks associated with oil sands development. This researchwill focus on the geochemistry of reactive wastes, such as froth treatment tailings (FTT), and how they interactwith 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. Thisresearch will explore strategies to reduce these negative impacts on water quality. Overall, this research willreduce the environmental impact and financial liability of oil sands mining to ensure Canadians can continue tobenefit from oil sands development in the future.