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Sustainability & Environment.
173 stories
Teck Reports 2015 Sustainability Performance
Teck Resources released its 2015 Sustainability Report showing the company achieved all sustainability goals for the year. Key highlights include a 25% reduction in high potential safety incidents, 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions reduction since 2011, and improved water recycling averaging 4.5 times at mining operations.
Is the mining “Bear” market on the run?
Market analysts suggest the five-year mining bear market may be ending, with gold up 17% since mid-December and copper rising 15% to $2.25/lb. Major mining stocks have seen dramatic recoveries, with some tripling in value since January lows, while the TSX Venture Exchange gained 23% from its January trough.
Tesla co-founder and CTO JB Straubel to share his energy vision with innovators at Discovery 2016
Tesla co-founder and CTO JB Straubel will keynote Ontario Centres of Excellence's Discovery 2016 conference on May 9-10 in Toronto, discussing energy innovation and clean technology business opportunities. The event coincides with OCE's new $74 million Cleantech Innovation Initiative on behalf of the Ontario government.
The Rare Earths Market: Thriving, but Threatened by Illegal Mining and Production in China
InvestorIntel announces Professor Dudley Kingsnorth as keynote speaker for the 5th Annual Cleantech & Technology Metals Summit in Toronto, May 10-11. His presentation will focus on how illegal rare earths mining in China threatens global supply chains and non-Chinese producers. The summit features technology metals experts discussing critical minerals demand growth and cleantech industry impacts.
CRH Canada’s Dufferin Aggregates Acton Quarry certified as socially and environmentally responsible
CRH Canada's Dufferin Aggregates Acton Quarry has become the world's first quarry to receive certification as a supplier of responsibly sourced stone, sand and gravel from the Cornerstone Standard's Council. This landmark certification establishes a new pathway for sustainable aggregate sourcing and is expected to serve as a catalyst for industry-wide improvements in environmental and social responsibility practices.
First Elk Valley water treatment facility begins full operations in Sparwood, B.C.
Teck Resources has successfully commissioned its first water treatment facility in the Elk Valley, achieving 100% of design targets for selenium removal. The $120 million West Line Creek facility reduces selenium by 96% and nitrate by 99% from mine-affected water at the Line Creek Operations.
Dominion Diamond Corporation reports MVEIRB’s recommendation for approval of Jay Project
The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board has recommended approval of Dominion Diamond Corporation's Jay Project, subject to specific measures outlined in their environmental assessment report. The Jay deposit could extend Ekati mine life by 10-11 years beyond the current 2020 closure date to at least 2030.
Looking at an environmentally stabilizing mine remediation technique
Anglo American is developing Fungcoal, an innovative mine remediation technique that uses fungi and weathered coal to create soil fertilizers, reducing topsoil requirements by up to 90%. The technology is being trialed at four coal mines across 30 hectares and could address the global topsoil shortage crisis.
Squamish, B.C. is site of innovative carbon capture project
Calgary-based Carbon Engineering has launched a $9-million pilot carbon capture plant in Squamish, B.C., that removes one tonne of CO2 daily from the atmosphere. The facility aims to demonstrate technology that could scale to commercial plants capturing up to one million tonnes annually, with captured carbon potentially converted into low-carbon transportation fuels.
Oil price drop improves mining companies’ position regarding long-term renewable energy contracts
Falling oil prices have improved mining companies' negotiating positions for long-term renewable energy contracts. While lower diesel costs make the immediate business case for solar and wind less attractive, mining companies can now lock in favorable 20+ year power purchase agreements before oil prices recover.
Kaminak Gold Corporation announces positive feasibility study results on Yukon Coffee Gold Project
Kaminak Gold completed a positive feasibility study for its Coffee Gold Project in Yukon, showing a C$455 million NPV and 37% IRR with 10-year mine life producing 184,000 ounces annually. The company plans to begin permitting in 2016 with mine construction targeted for mid-2018, supported by $28 million in current financing.
Our Top 10 mining and energy stories from 2015
Canadian Mining & Energy published its top 10 most popular articles from 2015, featuring profiles of industry personalities like Gold Rush star Tony Beets, coverage of hydro infrastructure, forestry-based clean electricity, and mining reclamation projects. The retrospective highlights the diverse range of stories that resonated with readers in the mining and energy sectors.
A leaner mining life cycle: How integrating sustainability up front can lead to future savings
Karen Chovan founded Saskatchewan-based Enviro Integration Strategies to help mining and energy companies adopt a 'Lean' approach to mine closure planning. By integrating sustainability and reclamation planning from the exploration stage, companies can reduce long-term costs and environmental risks while streamlining regulatory approval processes.
World’s cleanest LNG legislation in force Jan 1, 2016
British Columbia's new Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act (GGIRCA) came into force January 1, 2016, establishing emissions caps for LNG facilities to make them the cleanest in the world. The legislation sets a $25 per tonne price for emissions that exceed benchmarks, with revenue supporting clean technology development.
Geothermal—Canada on the brink of sustainable energy?
The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association is working through Alberta's Energy Futures Lab to promote geothermal energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The article highlights how skills from mining and oil extraction can be directly applied to geothermal projects, creating significantly more permanent jobs than natural gas production.
MOU signed by Alaska & B.C. Commitment to protect shared environment
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and Alaska Governor Bill Walker signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cross-border partnerships on environmental protection and mining oversight. The MOU establishes a bilateral working group to monitor trans-boundary waters and creates frameworks for collaboration on mining development projects affecting shared watersheds.
Mount Polley short-term discharge permit approved
Mount Polley Mining Corporation received provincial approval for a short-term permit to treat and discharge water from Springer Pit, which is expected to reach capacity by April 2016. The permit allows treated water discharge into Hazeltine Creek and ultimately Quesnel Lake, following comprehensive public consultation and technical review.
Keystone XL permit denial compromises environment, economy, jobs and public safety
TransCanada Corporation's CEO Russ Girling condemned President Obama's denial of the Keystone XL pipeline permit, calling it a decision based on symbolism over science. The company argued the US$8 billion project would have created 42,000 jobs and provided safer oil transportation than rail alternatives. TransCanada is reviewing the decision and its rationale while maintaining the project is in both countries' best interests.
Nelson’s innovative Community Solar Garden set to shine
Nelson Hydro announced Canada's first community solar project where customers can purchase solar panels and receive credits on their electricity bills. The 50kW+ solar array will be located at the Bonnington Generation Station and requires presale of 150 panels to proceed in Spring 2016.
New mine reclamation technique uses eDNA to detect elusive animals
Hemmera Envirochem Inc. is pioneering environmental DNA (eDNA) technology for mine reclamation monitoring in British Columbia, completing seven species inventories in 2014. The technique detects aquatic wildlife through water sample analysis, offering cost-effective monitoring compared to traditional methods. This represents the first formal application of eDNA in B.C.'s environmental assessment process.
Murray River Coal project granted environmental assessment approval
HD Mining International Ltd. received environmental assessment approval for its Murray River Coal project near Tumbler Ridge, BC, subject to 24 legally-binding conditions. The $668 million underground coal mine will produce 4.8 million tonnes annually over 25 years and create 780 jobs during operations.
Kaminak announces new, Northern access road route to Coffee Project endorsed by First Nation
Kaminak Gold has selected a northern access route from Dawson City to its Coffee gold project in Yukon, requiring only 30 km of new construction out of 190 km total. The route has received strong support from the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation and is expected to cost less than the previously estimated $35 million southern route.
Teck Named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
Teck Resources has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the sixth consecutive year, ranking in the top 10% of 2,500 largest global companies for sustainability practices. The company received top scores in biodiversity, asset closure management, talent retention, and operational eco-efficiency.
Minister’s tour to strengthen B.C. – Alaska relations on mining and environment
BC Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett is traveling to Alaska to strengthen cross-border collaboration on mining and environmental issues. The visit aims to advance a formal agreement allowing greater cooperation on mine development and permitting processes between the two jurisdictions.