R&D in Mining Environment and Mine Reclamation: Sustainable Results

Mine reclamation has evolved significantly in Québec thanks to improved scientific knowledge, changes in the regulatory framework and the development of new practices. This progress is closely linked to research and development (R&D), which helps address challenges encountered in the field and continuously improve reclamation methods.

As the owner and manager of numerous abandoned mine sites, the Government of Québec holds a unique position. These sites offer real-world conditions for observing long-term environmental phenomena, testing innovative solutions and assessing their performance over time. They serve as true open-air laboratories that foster the acquisition of knowledge applicable across the mining sector.

Knowledge acquired through R&D benefits the management of abandoned sites as well as active mines and future mining projects. As such, beyond reclaiming Québec’s mining legacy, sites under government responsibility become drivers of innovation that help design more sustainable mines better adapted to tomorrow’s challenges.

This presentation provides a historical overview of the Canadian Malartic site, from the earliest mining operations to the present day. It then examines the site’s efforts and participation in a range of research and development initiatives conducted in collaboration with various partners. Subsequently, an overview of the data generated at the site over the past decade is presented, highlighting the importance of producing, collecting, and analyzing data throughout the life cycle of a mining project. The presentation then reviews a specific progressive reclamation case study, namely the implementation of an interim tailings storage facility cover, made possible through data-driven analysis. Finally, it concludes with an overview of ongoing and planned reclamation activities.

Research in the mining and environmental sector basically got started in the 1980s, making it a relatively young science. Since then, significant progress has been made in areas such as mine waste management, understanding the processes that lead to contamination of mine waters and soils, and the reclamation of mine sites. These advances have been achieved thanks to close interactions between the different stakeholders, including mining companies, consulting groups, and universities. This presentation aims at giving a quick overview of the impact of research on practices and on developing an ecosystem that supports the search for sustainable solutions related to mines and the environment. We will also briefly talk about some challenges the mining industry will face in the coming years, especially related to the impact of mining operations on biodiversity, the influence of climate change on the different components of the mining cycle, and the integration of social aspects in the decision process related to environmental aspects.

Mine reclamation increasingly relies on advances in research and development (R&D), which play a critical role in improving design practices, risk management, and long-term environmental performance. This presentation will examine the influence of R&D on the evolution of mine reclamation approaches, from the characterization of tailings and waste rock to the design of closure structures and ecosystem rehabilitation strategies.

Research efforts have significantly improved the understanding of acid mine drainage generation, the geochemical behaviour of mine materials, and the hydrological processes that affect water quality. These advances have led to the development of more effective design tools and technologies, including low-permeability covers, capillary barrier systems, water management infrastructures, and progressive reclamation approaches.

The presentation will also highlight the importance of pilot projects, field trials, and long-term monitoring programs in validating design assumptions and reducing uncertainties associated with mine closure. Practical examples will demonstrate how integrating research findings into reclamation projects enhances the physical and geochemical stability of closure works, reduces life-cycle costs, and supports compliance with regulatory requirements and societal expectations.

Finally, future challenges and priority research needs will be discussed, with a focus on supporting sustainable and resilient mine reclamation practices in the context of climate change. The presentation will emphasize the value of collaboration among industry, academia, regulators, and Indigenous and local communities to develop innovative, science-based solutions that improve environmental outcomes and contribute to the long-term success of mine closure and reclamation projects.

The panellists will come back to the contribution of R&D in their mining reclamation work and share their challenges and successes.