SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 10/11 - MineralsEd · Steve Kellas Technology Diploma Program at BCIT”...

SOCIAL STUDIESGRADE 10/11

MINING IN BC:

A RESOURCE UNIT

© 1992 - 2012 MineralsEd

Mining in BC: A Resource Unit

Credits - 1

Credits

MineralsEd (Mineral Resources Education Program of BC) is a partnership program be-tween classroom teachers and the mineral resources industry in British Columbia. Since its inception in 1991, many creative and enthusiastic teachers have stepped forward to work with MineralsEd to write and develop classroom materials that are grade-level appropriate and sup-port aspects of the BC curriculum as they relate to minerals, mining and geoscience. The BC mineral resources industry, represented by companies, professional groups and individuals alike, has stepped forward with financial support and expertise to make our partner teachers’ growing body of work possible. Together this partnership has built a valuable collection of educational resources for all grade levels.

We gratefully acknowledge the following companies for their financial and in-kind support toward MineralsEd and the Resource Units:

• K-3 Integrated Resource Unit: Kids and Rocks• Grade 5 Integrated Resource Unit on Mining• Grade 7 Resource Unit: Earth Series• Social Studies Grade 10/11 Mining in BC: A Resource Unit• Science of Mining Resource Unit• Earth Science 11/Geology 12 “Resources & Ideas”• CAPP Resource Careers in the Mineral Industry• Environment Video - Digging For Answers - students investigate minesite reclamation• Mineral Processing Video - Rocks and Dirt Just Aren’t My Thing...Or Are They?• Educational Resource Video - Mining Technology: A Natural Sciences and Engineering

Technology Diploma Program at BCIT

A current list of financial and in-kind contributors to MineralsEd which have made this resource unit possible is provided on the website at www.MineralsEd.ca/s/OurDonors.asp.

Credits:Alaska Resource Education Alaska Department of Education

Video & Photo Credits:Highland Valley CopperWestmin Resources Ltd.Teck Resources Ltd.Bill BassoMike GushockRobert T. McCallJerry Smath

Finning Ltd. - Common Ground - Modern Mining and YouCaterpillar - Common Ground - Modern Mining and YouPlacer Dome Inc.

Fording Coal LimitedGibraltar Mines LimitedMining Association of BC BHP- Island Copper MineTaseko MinesBruce DowningBob Hamaguchi

Bryan WelchmanHarry GlasswickDave Meronuk Phil Wright Tom Berger Bruce Jenkins

Credits - 2

Mining in BC: A Resource UnitCredits

Copyright © 1992, 1999 (major revision), 2001, 2004, 2007, 2012 by MineralsEd (Mineral Resources Education Program of BC). Reproduction of this material in any part or form must be authorized by MineralsEd. This material is intended for classroom use only.

To The Teachers:We wish all teachers using this material an exciting and happy experience learning about Earth Science, Earth’s mineral resources, and mining. We believe that through partnerships a sound knowledge base can be developed. We look forward to your feedback and evaluation of this program and hope that your students enjoy learning about mining through this resource unit.

Teacher Writers:Heather Hutchinson Grade 5 Integrated Resource Unit on MiningPatty Kiloh

Bruce Kiloh Social Studies 10/11 Mining in BC: A Resource UnitPhil WrightDave Meronuk

Dave Meronuk “Careers in the Mineral Industry” (video) - CAPP ResourcePhil Wright “Digging for Answers” (video)

Donald McRae Science of Mining Resource UnitEric Rustand

Steve Kellas Earth Science 11/Geology 12 “Resources & Ideas”Jim Milross

Ann Brace K-3 Integrated Resource Unit: Kids and Rocks Elizabeth Greenway Elizabeth HunterKim VogtMary Ringwald

Patty Kiloh “Rocks and Dirt Just Aren’t My Thing...Or Are They?” Dave Meronuk (video) Phil Wright

Kelly Hawbolt “Mining Technology: A Natural Sciences and Engineering Steve Kellas Technology Diploma Program at BCIT” (video) Bruce Kiloh Eric Rustand

Kerry Lockwood Grade 7 Resource Unit: Earth Sciences Andrea Eisler Alison Waterhouse

MineralsEd (Mineral Resources Education Program of BC)Maureen E. Lipkewich, Social Studies 10/11 Project Coordinator Camera Ready and EditingKevin Barclay 2007 RevisionsSheila Stenzel, Laura Estrada, Erica Chu 2012 Revisions


Overview - 1

Overview

Overview Topic One Why Do We Mine? Video: Common Ground / Ground Rules

Topic Two Exploration Images: 1-11 Video: Exploration – In Search of a Hidden Resource

Topic Three Extraction Images: 12-36 Videos: Temporary Use of the Land and Beneath the Surface

Topic Four Processing Images: 37-67 Videos: Temporary Use of the Land and Beneath the Surface

Topic Five Reclamation Video: Digging For Answers

Topic Six Economics of Mining

Topic Seven Case Study – The Players 1. ElectedOfficials 2. Provincial and Federal Ministries – Environment 3. FirstNations 4. Local Business 5. Mining Company 6. Local Community 7. Provincial and Federal Ministries 8. Unions 9. Environmentalists 10. Optional

Topic Eight Mining Field Trips

Topic Nine Vocabulary

Appendix Geoscience and Mining Resources, Quick Reference Website Guide, and Teacher Evaluation

TeacherInformation Reading Exercises


Foreword - 1

Foreword

FOREWORDAlthough this Unit was initially developed for teachers and students in Social Studies 10, curricular match will also be found to occur with the “Resource” section of Social Studies 11 and Geography 12.

Revised as of June 2012, this Resource Unit is intended to:

• Increase the base knowledge of students about the minerals industry in BC; and

• Review the overall process of and issues around mine development.

Classroom teachers of Social Studies and Geography developed this unit. To ensure technical accuracy, numerous individuals and groups within the industry have reviewed information prepared for this kit, which contains:

• Teacher resource binder containing: lessons, black line masters (BLM’s), slides, and other resource materials (in PDF format on CD-ROM);

• Samples and activities;

• Videos and supplementary resources;

• Teacher poster and resource pack;

It is advisable to refer back to other sections as well, as economics comes to play in each and every stage of the mining process, from exploration through to reclamation.

The case study approach in the Environmental Assessment Program is being used as a cooperative learning/teaching strategy. It is entirely fictional. Primary source data, specific geographic locations and names are used to add authenticity. We hope this will create lively classroom discussion and active participation in the decision making process.

The second phase of the program is implementation: workshops for teachers are presented throughout the province. During these in-service training workshops, the writing team shares with participating teachers the practical use of the kit, additional exercises and teaching strategies. The Social Studies Resources Unit on Mining in BC was formerly available only to those attending a workshop. Now, teachers are able access the Resources Unit online.

We hope you enjoy the materials as much as our students have!

The Writing Team:

Bruce Kiloh - Teacher-writer, original 1991 resource unit (1991)Phil Wright and Dave Meronuk - Teacher-writers 1999 resource unit revision


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Topic One - Why Do We Mine?

WHY DO WE MINE? Itisdifficulttoimagineourselveswithouttelephones,automobiles,medicines,pencils,toys,paperorfood.Wesimplycouldnotliveaswedonow!Alloftheseproductsareproducedfromminingorusemineralresources.

MiningisaprimaryresourceindustrythatrecoversmineralsfromtheEarth’scrust.ForcenturiesmineralshavebeenextractedfromtheEarthforthebenefitofhumanity.TheBronzeAgeandtheIronAge,twotimeperiodsofcriticalimportanceinhumandevelopment,werethedirecteffectsofminingforspecificresources.Canada’sownFirstNationstradedincopperandcoal,aswellassilver,goldandjade.

Exploration,extractionandprocessingofmineralsareofvitalimportancetooursociety.Mineralsareaglobalresourcethatcanbefoundinmanypartsoftheworld.However,thediscoveryofmineralizationdoesnotnecessarilymeanthatthosemineralswillbemined.Economics,environmentalconcerns,worldmarkets,socialconsiderations,andgovernmentregulationsmustbecarefullyconsideredbeforethedecisiontodevelopamineismade.

Mining’sroleinthedevelopmentofspecificculturescaneasilybeseen.ThediscoveryofgoldintheCaribooin1858hadatremendouseffectuponthedevelopmentofourprovince.OtherexamplesofmineraldiscoveriesaffectingthedevelopmentofBCincludecoalatNanaimoandleadandzincatKimberley.

Presently,therearemanyoperatingminesinourprovinceandmanyotherorebodiesthathavebeen“discovered”(refertoBLMmapsinAppendix),someofwhichmayeventuallybedevelopedasnewmines.Thebasicprincipleofexploration,extractionandprocessingisconstant.However,majortechnologicaladvanceshaveallowedmoreeffectivemethodstoimprovetheoverallefficiencyandtolessentheenvironmentaleffectsoftheminingprocess.Thevideo “Ground Rules”examinespresentdayminingasaresponsibleindustry,focusingontheglobalscaleofminingandhighlightingtechnologicaladvances.

Wewillalwaysneedmineralresources.Giventhesemineralresourcesarenon-renewableandtheeverincreasingdemandofglobalsocietyisexponentiallygrowing,thewayinwhichweuseresourcesandtherateatwhichweusethemwillbecrucialandaturningpointtobettermanageourresources.

Thereisnoquestionthereisanurgentneedtofindbettersolutionsforourplanet.Eventhoughmostofthemineralsweusetodaywillstillbeusedinthefuture,theapplicationsoftheirusesmaychangeornewoneswillbediscovered.Asthefocusonsustainableor“green”technologiesbecomesmorepromient,weturntoinnovationtofindwaysinwhichwecanusemineralresourcestoredefinedevelopmentandstrengthenourresponsibilitytowardsourselvesandtheEarth.

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic One - Why Do We Mine?

Exercise #1: Why Do We Mine?Part AImagineadayinyourlifewithouttheproductsoftheminingindustry.Whatwouldyounot be abletodoasaresultofnolongerhavingtheseproductsavailable?

Part BLookaroundtheclassroom.Listthethingsthatyouwouldnolongerseeiftherewasnominingindustry?


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Exercise #2: Mineral Resources and their Usesa) Considerthenumberofusesofmineralresources(halfmarkeach).

b) Consideramineraloranoreanddescribeitsuse(s).

c) Completethechart,below:

Mineral Resource Uses1. Gold medical conductors ________________

2. Copper buildingmaterials electricalwire ________________

3. Coal cosmetics steelmaking ________________

4. Silver jewellery ________________ ________________

5. Titanium ________________ ________________ ________________

6. Molybdenum ________________ ________________ ________________

7. Nickel ________________ ________________ ________________

8. Chromium ________________ ________________ ________________

9. Carbon ________________ ________________ ________________

10. Bauxite ________________ ________________ ________________

11._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

12._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

13._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

14._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

15._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

16._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

17._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

18._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

19._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

20._____________ ________________ ________________ ________________

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Notes on: Mineral UsesAluminum packaging,building,transportation,electrical,consumer

durables.

Antimony flameretardants(antimonyoxide),transportationincludingbatteries(hardeningagentinlead-acid),chemicals,ceramicsandglass.

Arsenic agriculturalchemicals,glassandnon-ferrousalloys.

Asbestos roofingproducts,frictionproducts,asbestos-cementpipes,packingandgaskets.

Barite weightingagentinoilandgas,welldrillingfluids,paint,rubber,glass.

Beryllium alloyforhightechuse,alloyandoxideinelectricalandelectroniccomponents.

Bismuth pharmaceuticalsandchemicals,metallurgicaladditives,solder.

Boron glassproducts,soapsanddetergents,agriculture.

Cadmium batteries,coatingandplating,pigments,plasticsandsynthetics,alloys.

Cesium (usuallyascomponents)researchanddevelopmentelectronics,photoelectrics,medicalapplications.

Chromium stainlessandheat-resistingsteel,alloys,super-alloys.

Clays paperfiller,sanitaryware,floorandwalltiles,dinnerwareandpottery,firebricks,foundrysands,drillingmud,absorbents,constructionmaterials.

Cobalt super-alloysforgasturbineengines,paintdryers,magneticalloys,catalysts.

Copper buildingconstruction,electricalandelectronicproducts,industrialequipment,transportation,consumerproducts.

Diatomite acidfilter,filler.

Feldspar glass,pottery,ceramics.


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Garnet (industrial)abrasives,filtrationmedia,sandpaper,electronics,ceramicsandglass;(gemstones)jewellery.

Gold jewelleryandartwork,electronics,dental.

Graphite refractories,brakelinings,foundrymolds,lubricants,pencils,crucibles.

Gypsum wallboard,cement,agriculture.

Iron Ore steel.

Kyanite processingferrousmetals,glassandceramics.

Lead batteries,gasolineadditive,solders,sealsandbearings,electronics,ammunition,ballast,ceramicsandweightingglass.

Lithium ceramicsandglass,lubricants.

Magnesium (ascompounds)construction,agriculture;(asmetal)castings,aluminumbasedalloys.

Molybdenum alloysformachinery,electricalandtransportation,chemicals,lubricants.

Nickel stainlessandalloysteel,otheralloys,electroplating.

Phosphate Rock fertilizers,industrialandfoodgradechemicals.

Platinum-Group catalysts,electronics,dentalandmedical,jewellery.Metals

Potash fertilizers.

Sand and Gravel constructionaggregates.

Selenium electronicsandphotocopiers,chemicalsandpigments,glass.

Silver photographicproducts,electricalandelectronics,electroplating,jewellery.

Stone (dimension)buildings,monuments,curbing.

Strontium TVtubes,ceramicmagnets,pyrotechnics,pigments.

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Sulphur (convertedtosulphuricacid)fertilizers,chemicals,petroleumrefining.

Talc and ceramics,paint,paper,roofing,plastics,cosmetics. Pyrophyllite

Tin cansandcontainers,electrical,construction,transportation.

Titanium (metal)superalloysforjetengines,airplanes,spaceandmissileapplications,chemicals,medical.

Titanium (oxide)pigmentforpaint,paper,plastics,rubber.

Tungsten alloyforindustrialequipment,lampsandlighting,electricalmachinery.

Vanadium aerospacealloys.

Zinc (metal)galvanizing,zinc-basedalloys,brassandbronze.

Zinc (compounds)chemicals,agriculture,rubber,paint.


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Topic Two - Exploration

EXPLORATIONThe classic image of the old-time prospector is of a bearded man bent over a gold pan at a stream’s edge, looking for placer gold. His quest was free gold found in the gravel, in sizes ranging from fine “flour” to more substantial “nuggets”. Gold panning continues to be used today, not only as a prospecting and recovery method for placer gold but also as an exploration tool in the search for the “mother lode” itself (the gold locked in the bedrock - which is the source of the gold in the stream beds). Although modern exploration methods have become more high-tech and sophisticated, and are almost exclusively directed towards bedrock or “lode” deposits, the magic and excitement of the search still remains! Exploration methods leading to the discovery of ore deposits and eventual production are straightforward and relatively simple, but are often clouded from the perspective of the layperson because of the obscure nature of the deposits themselves. It is worthwhile looking at mineral deposits and at the exploration process with reference to a rare flower analogy or the needle in a haystack scenario.

Mineral DepositsMineral deposits (concentrated masses of economic minerals) are rare and almost always hidden beneath the surface. Ore deposits (mineral deposits worth mining) are even more rare. Most known deposits have been delineated by drilling through the cover of overburden and bedrock. There may have been, however, clues to their existence at the surface that guided the prospector or geologist where to probe. The distribution of mineral deposits, like most things in this world, is not random; patterns of occurrence are identifiable.

Average crustal abundances of metallic elements are not sufficient for economic extraction. They have to be redistributed by geological and geochemical processes into sufficiently high concentrations to make extraction economical. For a typical copper ore body the processes have to raise the concentration of copper to 100 to 300 times greater than the normal crustal abundance; for a typical gold deposit, this figure increases to a range from 500 to 5000 times!

A mineral deposit may be compared to a rare West Coast flower: finding the flower hiding beneath a cover of thick green foliage is difficult, but not impossible. Specific environmental conditions are essential for its existence and it most likely grows in association with other flora of similar habitat requirements. Likely target habitats for finding the rare flower may, therefore, be established based on the distribution of the associated more common flora. Additional clues such as finding scattered seeds or pollen from the target-plant may also help to narrow down the search. Although this focuses efforts on smaller target areas of higher potential, the painstaking task of a thorough search for individual specimens still remains: many leaves must be turned over before one rare flower is, perhaps, found.

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Two - Exploration

Metallogeny (the study of the formation and distribution of mineral deposits) and mineral potential can be looked at in the same light as the study of likely habitats in which to find our rare West Coast flower. The origins of specific deposits are associated with particular depositional environments, which are in turn tied to specific tectonic environments. The resulting end products are tectonic terranes and rock types. Each of the many tectonic terranes of the Canadian Cordillera is differentiated from others by its geology, including its mineral deposits. Additional clues for new deposits include the presence nearby of known mineral resources and/or of anomalous geochemical and geophysical data. An estimate of the mineral potential of a given area can be established based on the evaluation of favourable geology, known resources and anomalous data.Mineral deposits can be broadly classified as:

• Large, low-grade, bulk mineable deposits where open pit methods are used to extract the ore; or• Smaller, higher grade, deposits where underground methods are applied.

Geologists, however, classify them according to how they formed.

Classification of Mineral Deposits • Hydrothermal

a) Epithermal veinb) Mesothermal veinc) Porphyryd) Skarne) Volcanic hosted sulphide

f) Sedimentary hosted sulphide

• Magmatic

• Sedimentary

An almost universal misconception is that most deposits are magmatic in origin, i.e. that they result directly from cooling and crystallization of minerals from a body of molten rock (magma). Referring to average crustal abundance of elements and assuming that magma will reflect those figures, the crystallization of minerals from magma without any additional concentrating process results in nothing but ordinary rock. This is normally the case and magmatic deposits will be created only in very special circumstances.

The process that drives the formation of all hydrothermal deposits is the existence of large-scale, mineral-laden, hot water circulation systems driven by the heat of igneous activity. Hydrothermal systems leach large volumes of rock containing metals at average levels of crustal abundance and redeposit them at higher concentrations elsewhere, creating a mineral


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deposit. Fracturing and faulting of the surrounding rock, from which the metals are scavenged, and of the host rock where metals are deposited in higher concentrations, is critical to the formation of such ore bodies. These fractures and faults form the plumbing system through which the fluids circulate.

Sedimentary mineral deposits form by several mechanisms. 1. Moving water, either in streams or on beaches, concentrates and deposits heavy, metal-bearing minerals (like gold, platinum, and magnetite) as loose grains, forming so-called placer ore deposits. 2. Deep weathering of bedrock in tropical climates concentrates stable minerals, such as iron, clay minerals and bauxite, as residuals in the soil. 3. Precipitation from seawater or briny lake or groundwater produces economic concentrations of such minerals as gypsum, halite, potash and calcite.

The Search for DepositsExploration can be defined as:

• The search for new mineral deposits in relatively untested areas; as well as

• The reassessment of known deposits or occurrences in more mature exploration areas.

The rationale of the process is that information, collected at each progressive stage of an exploration project, will lead to a smaller and smaller area of interest. Each step increases confidence that an ore body will eventually be discovered. The search for new deposits, or clues to the possible existence of new deposits in the frontier areas, is conducted on a regional or property scale, while reassessment is conducted at the property or target scale. Economics dictate that many exploration companies only operate at the property and target scales, because the process of delineating a deposit starting at a regional scale is extremely expensive and risky.

Scale Area covered Objective

Regional 10s to 1000s km2 Define areas of interest, stake claims

Property 0.25 to 10s of km2 Define target areas

Target 10s to 1000s m2 Define targets (deposits)

The BC Ministry of Energy and Mines monitors and regulates all mineral exploration activity in the province each year. The summaries are published in Exploration and Mining in British Columbia and summarized in map (Open File 2012-1) BLM in the Appendix. Updated copies of these publications are available each year from their Web site: www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geoscience/PublicationsCatalogue/ExplorationinBC/Pages/default.aspxmining/.

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Exploration Methods

NOTE - Teacher Resources: • Images 1-11;

• Video: ‘In Search of a Hidden Resource’

Research, compilation and interpretation of existing data, air photo interpretation

Conventional prospecting (breaking and examining rock)

Systematic Field Worka) Rock sampling, and

b) Geological mapping

Geochemistry

a) Stream and lake-sediment sampling

b) Water sampling

c) Vegetation sampling (biogeochemistry)

d) Soil sampling

Airborne Geophysics

a) Magnetics

b) Electromagnetics

Ground Geophysics

a) Magnetics d) Electromagnetics

b) Induced Polarization - IP e) Gravity

c) Self-Potential – SP f) Radiometrics

Trenching (backhoe or blasting)

a) Rock sampling - chip, channel, panel, bulk

b) Geological mapping (where no rock is exposed)


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Drilling

a) Diamond drilling to retrieve cylindrical core samples

b) Reverse circulation drilling to retrieve chip samples

Bulk sampling of deposit (100s of kilograms to 100s of tonnes)

a) Sampling by underground tunneling

b) Sampling by large-diameter core drilling.

An analogy useful for the exploration process is the proverbial needle in a haystack. Imagine that a farmer has several different fields, each with many haystacks and of these: ten hold one needle each; three have two needles; and one prize haystack has seven needles. The presence of some of these needles is known, but the object is to find more. In the same way, mineral potential based on favourable geology, known mineral resources and anomalous geochemical and geophysical data, will direct careful exploration companies to the most promising haystack and a few risk takers to the stacks with only one or two needles.

The video ‘Exploration – In Search of A Hidden Resource’ examines the exploration process and industry’s responsibility at that stage to minimize the impact on the environment.

The exploration geologist begins the search by using existing information from government surveys and previous exploration efforts. Once a promising area has been selected, the real hunt for a deposit then moves to reconnaissance fieldwork comprised of relatively inexpensive initial surveys. If early results from soil and rock sampling are encouraging, more money is spent to conduct more in-depth surveys. The detailed search is carried out using target-scale surveys, including trenching and drilling, to obtain specimens for geochemical analysis.

The challenge to the exploration geologist/company is to blend knowledge and experience to find a deposit, or sufficient clues to the existence of a deposit, before running out of the money allocated for the exploration project. Most projects end with the geologist “pulling the plug” because the data collected provides few or none of the subtle clues essential to justify further exploration. Only a handful of projects will move on to more detailed and expensive surveys. Some projects may be terminated after an initial and promising first stage because of lack of funding. This leaves many occurrences to be re-evaluated at some time in the future when there is a more favourable economic climate (better commodity prices and/or availability of financing), thus perpetuating the recurrent and intermittent process of mineral exploration.

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Exercise #3: ‘In Search of a Hidden Resource’ (Video)

NOTE: Teacher may choose to do any or all of these activities.

Part AIn the past, the environmental impact of exploration was not a major concern. In order to avoid the problems that occurred historically, what practices are currently in place and what specific agencies monitor exploration activities? Be sure to state the area of potential problem.

Part BDo you think the First Nations land claims issue affects mineral exploration in British Columbia? Explain.


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Exercise #3: ‘In Search of a Hidden Resource’ (Video)

Part CExploration will progress in stages as the probability of finding a viable ore body increases. List as many activities that you can think of that occur at each stage:

1. Initial field work:

2. Acquiring the mineral rights:

3. Final stage:


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Topic Three - Extraction

Extraction of thE rEsourcEThe two basic mining methods used in the metal and industrial mineral extraction industries are:

• Underground;

• Open-pit.

Strip mining, used at some coal mines, and quarrying for dimension stone are variations of the open-pit method.

Large, low-grade deposits lying near the surface, like the porphyry copper deposit at Highland Valley Copper (Logan Lake, BC), are mined by the open-pit method. Smaller, higher grade, deposits positioned close to surface and with suitable geometry and orientation are mineable by this method as well. Mining in a pit progresses downward in a series of stepped benches. Engineering and economic constraints, such as the size, shape and orientation of a deposit, govern the dimensions of a pit. A flat-lying slab of mineralization is obviously much easier to mine than a narrow, vertical, cylindrical mineral deposit, which would require the removal of more waste rock. The ratio of waste rock to ore that is mined is called the stripping ratio. Economic stripping ratios range from approximately 0.5:1 to 5:1, depending on the ore grade of the deposit. To break the rock for extraction, miners will drill holes into the rock in accordance with a detailed plan and then fill (charge) them with explosives. These explosives will be detonated, which results in the rock being broken (fractured). The broken rock is then ready for removal and further processing.

In an open-pit operation huge machines, called “shovels”, load giant trucks with up to 75 cubic meters of broken rock in one scoop. These trucks haul the waste rock to dumps and the ore to a crusher. From there the ore is transported by conveyor belt to a mill for processing.

Underground mines are developed by excavating shafts (vertical) or adits (horizontal, often into the mountain side), to allow access to ore bodies that are deep within the bedrock. A network of vertical, horizontal and inclined tunnels is connected to the shafts and adits and used to selectively mine the ore, while leaving the surrounding waste rock behind. Although less waste is mined in an underground operation than in an open-pit, the overall cost of underground mining is usually higher, due to the expense of initial development of the mine. “Skips” are used to lift ore up shafts. Load haul dump machines (“scoop trams” or “moles”) are used to move ore through the horizontal drifts, crosscuts and adits. There are many variations of underground mining with each method suited to the size, shape and orientation of the ore body and the stability or “competency” of the surrounding rock. Although methods differ in how the ore is mined, the concept of selectively mining the ore with as little waste rock “dilution” as possible remains essentially the same.

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Three - Extraction

Exercise #4a:

Questions on images Part #1 (1 - 36)

1. List and explain 5 different methods of exploration.

2. Explain the process of diamond drilling.

3. How does a prospector “stake a claim”?

4. What is the purpose of trenching?

5. Why is blasting usually done at the end of each shift?

6. What is the job of a truck controller? Why is it so important?

7. How does the ore get from the pit to the mill for processing?

8. What are benches in an open pit mine? How deep are they? Why are they necessary?

9. What are seams and pillars in an underground mine?

10. What problems do you think traditional underground miners face?

11. Why are they called traditional miners?

12. What has been done to protect underground miners?

13. Where are ore bodies of tin found?

14. Explain the job of a mining engineer.

15. List the ways ore is crushed before entering a mill.

16. Describe 2 ways of placer mining.

17. Describe the machines in an open pit mine.

18. What things do mining companies do to get along with the community?


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notes on images Part #1 (1 - 36)1. Without exploration there would be no mines. Despite modern tools and

equipment, the modern exploration geologist’s life can be a lonely one. This slide shows a field camp in the advanced stage of an exploration project in northwestern BC. Every aspect of exploration is regulated by the government, e.g. where camps are set up, how they are dismantled, what vegetation may be cut, reclamation of camp sites, etc.

2. People working in exploration can use airborne geophysical techniques as one of the first exploration methods. The interpretation of data gathered by satellites (photo imagery of various types) sometimes precedes these first field work efforts.

3. Geologists are then dropped off in remote areas to establish a base camp. Once the possibility of an ore body is established, diamond drillers are sent in to drill the prospective area. These drill core samples are then sent to the assayers, who determine the mineral content. The mining company will then determine if it is feasible to open up a mine. Only a small proportion of prospective sites are looked at again to determine if they can be mined.

4. Rocks are not the only things to be tested. Stream moss, sediment, and water are also sampled. Other vegetation may also be sampled for analysis of their element concentrations.

5. Today a claim is staked according to specific government regulations by marking out a rectangular perimeter oriented north-south and east-west. The perimeter of the claim is marked by blazing trees, tying coloured ribbon to branches, or building rock cairns. Claim posts of specified dimensions are placed upright at 500 metre intervals, starting at one corner of the rectangle. This, however, claims subsurface rights only!

6. Rock samples are taken from a trench dug by a mini excavator. All exploration trenches are reclaimed.

7. A series of trenches along and across the possible mineral deposit provides assay and geological data to help define it in two dimensions and provide clues as to its third dimension – downward (into the ground).

8. A portable hand held drill is used to take samples of up to 15 metres in depth.

9. More detailed geological, and more reliable assay, data is obtained from diamond drilling. In remote areas these drills are transported in pieces from site to site by helicopter. Here the helicopter is being used to assemble the drill because it is too heavy for anyone to move.

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10. The final stage of exploration, before mine development starts, is done using diamond drills. Short of tunneling, analysis of the rock in diamond drill core is the most accurate method of determining rock structure and ore mineral content. The drilling rods have a hollow centre (shown in Slide 14) and a drill bit with industrial diamond implants at the end that cut the rock. Commonly used drills can drill to depths of 770 metres and recover core samples of rock of up to 2.5” (6.3 cm) in diameter. Some drills can reach depths in excess of 2000 metres!

11. Diamond drill core can be stored in core racks for years. Mineral content may be too low to mine using present technology or at current economics, but who knows what may happen in the future?

12. Mine construction is extremely expensive. Mine locations are often remote, making it difficult to supply materials. Often construction workers, engineers, etc. cannot be found locally and must be flown in and housed and fed on site.

13. Blast hole drilling - once the mine is opened, surface waste and/or ore must be loosened by blasting. Here a blast hole is being drilled in an open pit coal mine near Tumbler Ridge, BC on the Alberta border.

14. Blast hole drillers are responsible for operating these blast hole drills and ensuring that all holes are drilled in accordance with the bore hole grid designed by the geologist or mining engineer.

15. Blasting is usually done once per shift (day shift) although some mines, usually the larger ones may vary this schedule.

16. Once the ore/waste rock is loosened the large shovels move in. Here, at Huckleberry Mine, the shovels scoop over 30 cubic metres at a time.

17. Open pit mines have large fleets of huge trucks. They are very expensive to operate. A computer controller determines which truck goes to which shovel to maximize work time.

18. The trucks used are enormous, ranging from 170 to over 360 tonne capacity (a regular construction or highway dump truck, by comparison, carries only around 16 tons). Here you can see the size of the truck - each wheel is over 3 metres high. A single tire can cost up to $60,000.

19. Roads built around open pit mines must adhere to strict guidelines. They have to be at least three times the width of the truck and have the proper grades. Here the road was moved back behind a small hill to protect the visual environment for fishermen frequenting a nearby lake.

20. A truck loaded with ore is directed by the computer controller to the closest crusher.


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21. Each crusher costs millions of dollars. The cost just to move the portable crushers at Highland Valley Copper is 5 million dollars and they must be moved every 3 years!

22. The crusher breaks the rock into smaller pieces and deposits the crushed ore onto a conveyor, which takes it to the mill. The conveyor belts can be very long: at Quintette Coal (Tumbler Ridge, BC) the conveyor belt measures 13.2 km in length! (Quintette closed in 2000)

23. Open pit mines are awesome to see. Highland Valley Copper (Logan Lake, BC) is the second largest in North America. (The largest is the Bingham Mine in Utah.) Each of the two pits will be over 2 kilometres wide and up to 350 metres deep. This pit is so large it can be seen from space!

24. The pits often start very wide at the surface and become smaller with depth. They are dug down in a series of benches that normally are between 10 and 15 meters high. This creates a sloping pit wall, the gradient of which is predetermined to ensure the wall’s stability.

25. The entrance (portal) to Quinsam Coal’s (Campbell River, BC) underground mine starts from the wall of an open pit mine like the Tumbler Ridge mines. Underground coal mining follows seams which vary in thickness and extent. The coal is dug by huge machines called “continuous miners” and is transported to the surface by conveyor belts. A large area will be mined systematically. Roadways (tunnels) will be driven parallel to each other through the coal, like the streets of a city, to a predetermined boundary, say from 1st Avenue to 30th Avenue. These roadways will be interconnected, to form pillars of coal, like streets form city blocks. Once the boundary is reached, the pillars of coal are extracted. Special techniques of pillar extraction are employed to induce the overlying rock to collapse into the void created by extraction of the coal. This is done in a controlled manner to ensure that the miners and their equipment are clear of the area before the rock caves in.

26. After a hard day underground coal miners relax at surface.

27. Traditional miners are still common in some mines. They have to carry their own drills, drill their own holes and pack the powder. Underground miners usually work an eight-hour shift and only under a grant of variance from the Chief Inspector of Mines may they work longer shifts. They are paid an hourly wage plus a bonus, according to the amount of ore mined per shift. The average salary of a mining industry empoyee in 2011 was $115,700 per year.

28. This underground miner uses modern equipment. He operates a drill that is not only much larger than the one in the previous slide but also has twice the drilling capability: two drills operating at the same time. Some mines use equipment that is operated by

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remote control in order to minimize the exposure of miners to dangerous situations. There is a possibility that some underground mines will one day be operated completely by remote control from the surface!

29. Drilling and blasting underground involves a careful layout of drill holes, loading of explosives and sequencing of detonation so that just the right amount of rock is broken and the tunnel is the correct shape and size. Here drill holes loaded with explosives are hooked up together using blasting cord, so that the individual drill holes explode in a specific order.

30. Underground the only light that can be seen comes from the miners’ cap lamps. Temperature extremes can be experienced underground. Fresh, often cold, air is forced down into the mine by huge fans. Once used, the now warm air, vents back to the outside via the mine’s return airway or shaft.

31. Ore deposits are often found in areas of folding and faulting. Such geological structures sometimes make ore bodies very difficult to find and to mine.

32. Once the ore body is found, the engineers must do extensive planning to determine how the ore can best be extracted: underground or open pit? In the case of an underground mine, tunnels and ventilation shafts must be driven before ore extraction (production) can begin. Costs related to this type of pre-production activities can be staggering.

33. Open pit mines also have to be planned with great care. Both engineering factors (stability of the pit walls) and economic factors (how much unmineralized rock can be removed to still recover mineralized rock at a profit) must be considered.

34. The ore must be crushed in to pieces 4” or less in size before it is transported to the mill. This is done by the primary crusher, after which it is moved by conveyor belt into the mill for further reduction in size.

35. A grizzly is a type of screening device made of heavy steel or rail that is used to size coarse material. Large chunks of ore that do not pass through the grizzly are broken into smaller pieces by a backhoe type machine (Hydraulic Rock Breaker). This process dates back to Gold Rush days.

36. Placer mining is the process used to recover native gold or platinum that occurs as loose grains in stream-deposited sand and gravel. Placer mining has taken place for many centuries and one usually imagines a miner with a gold pan, pick, shovel and a sluice box running a small-scale placer mining operation. Modern methods have drastically expanded the size of placer operations. Large gravel deposits can be broken up using high-pressure water jets (background); bulldozers move large volumes of gravel through grizzlies.


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Exercise #4b: “a temporary use of the Land” (highland Valley copper Video)

1. Write notes on the following:

a) Location of the mine

b) Number of employees

c) Size of the mining operations

d) Amount of copper produced

e) Specialists employed

f) Number of pits

g) Hours of operation

h) Amount crushed

i) Amount milled

j) Amount of waste compared to ore

k) Amount of copper produced compared to ore extracted.

2. Outline the process used to separate the minerals.

3. What are the following used for?

a) Molybdenum

b) Copper.

4. What are tailings ponds used for, and why are they called “closed systems”.

5. Explain why you think the video is called “A Temporary Use of the Land”.

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types of coal NOTE: It is highly recommended that teachers order the ‘Coal Kit’ from the Coal Association of Canada (See website www.coal.ca/class.htm).

Coal consists of a complex range of materials, and coal from one deposit may differ greatly from that of another. These differences result from the:

• varying types of vegetation from which the coal originated; • depths of burial;• temperatures and pressures at those depths; as well as • length of time the coal has been forming in the deposit.

The varying amount of mineral matter in a coal deposit may also have a significant effect on its properties, classification and use.

Coal is generally classified by what is known as its “rank”. Although several classification systems exist, the one most often used in North America is based on the degree of transformation of the original plant material to carbon. The ranks of coals, from those with the least carbon to those with the most carbon, are lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite.

Moisture content also plays a part in ranking. Coals that are low in moisture and high in carbon are ranked more highly. In addition to carbon, coals contain hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and varying amounts of sulphur. High-rank coals are high in carbon (and therefore heat value), but low in hydrogen and oxygen. Low-rank coals are low in carbon but high in hydrogen and oxygen content.

The highest rank, and the hardest coal, is anthracite. In Canada, it is found almost exclusively in remote regions of northern British Columbia and the Yukon. However, anthracite is not currently mined in Canada.

Bituminous coal, ranked second highest, is found in Alberta, British Columbia and the Maritimes. Bituminous coal can be either metallurgical (used to make coke for the steel industry) or thermal (used to generate electricity). In 2010 the operating coal mines in BC produced 26 million tonnes of bituminous coal.

Sub-bituminous coal is softer than bituminous coal and contains more moisture, making it less economic to transport over long distances. Alberta is the only province where sub-bituminous coal is currently mined. About 24 million tonnes of sub-bituminous coal were produced in 2010. This type of coal is mostly used to generate that province’s electricity.

Lignite is a soft, brown or black coal found in southern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta. Only the Saskatchewan deposits are currently being mined. In 2010, Saskatchewan produced 10.3 million tonnes of lignite coal.

In total, Canada produced more than 68 million tonnes of coal in 2010. 40 million was in thermal coal and 28 million was steel-makiing coal.


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Exercise #5: research Questions on coal

1. Name two methods of mining coal.

2. How is most coal shipped?

3. Why is this method used?

4. How is coal formed?

5. Where is coal found in British Columbia? (more info at: www.bcminerals.ca/s/CurrentOperations.asp?ReportID=417105).

6. State the role of coal in the history of British Columbia.

7. How is coal used to generate electricity?

8. What does coal do to the foreign rate of exchange (import, export)?

9. Why is transportation so important to coal production?

10. Complete a step by step flow diagram indicating transportation of coal from the Northeast and the Southeast of BC to Japan. Use specific names, etc.

11. Why is coal considered to be an energy source of the future?

12. List the environmental concerns of coal mining and use, from production through transportation and consumption. Give feasible solutions for each.


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Topic Four - Processing

PROCESSINGOnce the ore has been extracted from the mine, it has to be processed to extract the valuable minerals from the broken rock. Although the process differs from mine to mine, and from ore to ore, the general principles remain essentially the same.

Crushing The first step is to crush the rock in primary crushers. These machines are normally very noisy

and dusty and, therefore, located a short distance from the mine site.

MillingThe crushed ore is then transported on conveyor belts to the mill, which is often situated at the centre of the mine. Here the ore is pulverized into a fine sand by various methods depending on

the type of mill.

Mineral separationThe next step is to separate the valuable minerals from the waste. This is often achieved through a process that involves mixing the powdered ore with water and certain chemicals that facilitate the separation of ore minerals from waste. In this flotation process the ore attaches to bubbles induced by the added chemicals. The ore-carrying bubbles are skimmed off the top of the tank. Waste rock fine sand settles to the bottom of the flotation cell and is then diverted to tailings ponds where it settles out; the water is recycled.

The valuable ore concentrate is dried using a filter press. Further processing normally takes place at a different site, sometimes even overseas!

RefiningThe final step in the processing of ore takes place at the smelter, where the concentrate is melted and further purified, ready for transport to the mineral markets, as gold bars, silver ingots, copper plates, etc.

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Four - Processing

Exercise #6:Questions on Images Part #2 (37 - 67)

1. Name and describe the three types of mills.

2. Describe the flotation process in detail.

3. What is a filter press?

4. Once the concentrate leaves the dryer what happens to it? Where does it eventually end up?

5. What research is done at a mine?

6. Define the following:

a) Tailings Pond

b) Closed system

c) Concentrate

d) Waste

e) Glacial Till

f) Xanthate

g) Frother

h) Slurry

7. How do mines benefit their local communities?

8. What problems do mines face:

a) In the development process?

b) Once they are established?

9. Would you like to have a mine as a part of your community? Explain your answer.


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Images Part #2 (37 - 67)37. The mill is situated near the centre of the mine. Administration offices,

repair shops, research labs and shipping facilities may be located in the same vicinity. Here, the Highland Valley Copper Mill houses the largest S.A.G. (semi-autogenous grinding) mills in Canada.

38. The S.A.G. mill is the primary mill and is used to grind large chunks of ore to a powder-like substance. Any ore not fine enough at this stage is diverted to a ball mill. A Ball Mill is different from a S.A.G. mill: it uses only iron balls, not a combination of balls and ore, to crush ore. The Ball Mill grinds the oversized fractions in the previously crushed ore from the S.A.G. Mill to the required size. Other types of mills include: autogenous mills, with no iron balls; and rod mills, which use rods instead of balls.

39. The S.A.G. mills at Highland Valley Copper are the largest in Canada. Each electric powered mill takes over 6,000 horsepower to rotate.

40. Inside an S.A.G. mill the steel balls are used to help grind and crush the ore. These balls are replaced and the mill is routinely maintained to ensure everything is functioning properly.

42. Once the ore is ground into a powder it is mixed with water to form a slurry. Chemicals are then added to separate the ore from the waste. To separate copper the chemical xanthate plus a frother are added. The ore attaches itself to bubbles and floats to the top of the tank, where it is skimmed off and collected. The waste sinks to the bottom. This is called the “flotation process”.

43. The flow of chemicals in the flotation process can be altered, either manually or by computer.

44. Here copper minerals are being skimmed off in a flotation cell. Although the bubbles make it look hot, it is not. When touched it simply leaves a powdery film on one’s hand.

45. Once the concentrate is separated from the waste, a filter press or vacuum filter is used for drying. This is a vacuum filter such as is used to remove water from concentrate at Highland Valley Copper.

46. The dried concentrate (6% - 8% water content) is stored for shipment by truck, ship or rail.

47. More valuable concentrate (e.g. copper containing silver) is bagged to stop loss during shipping.

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Four - Processing

48. While the concentrate floats to the top, the waste sinks and can be pumped out to a tailings pond. Here the solids are allowed to settle and the water is pumped back to the mill to be reused. Newer metalliferous mines operate a closed system in which all water is continually recycled so that none escapes to damage the environment.

49. Depending on where the mine is located, different types of transportation are used. Where possible, trains are used to take the concentrate to the coast for ocean shipping. Lead/zinc concentrate goes to the Teck Resources Ltd. Smelter in Trail, BC. A latex cover is sprayed over the concentrate to protect it, as well as the environment. (i.e. It helps prevent it from blowing in to the air.)

50. Concentrate is loaded onto ships at Vancouver, Campbell River, Prince Rupert and some smaller ports for shipping to smelters in Japan. A lead and zinc smelter is located at Trail, BC and an aluminum smelter is at Kitimat, BC.

51. Most of the shipping is done using bulk carriers. This is Roberts Bank Super Port at Tsawwassen near Vancouver.

52. In some instances innovative methods are used to get the concentrate from the minesite to the shipping port. This slide shows the hovercraft used by Cominco’s Snip mine (gold) in Northern BC near Wrangell, Alaska. (Snip closed in 1999.)

53. It takes individual research and analysis to maximize production, identify new chemical mixtures for flotation, ensure environmental safety, and to develop new seed types for reclamation.

54. Innovations are constantly needed to overcome new problems. Here the Highmont mill building is physically moved to its new location on the Highland Valley property using a multiwheel crawler.

55. Mines are concerned about the environment. Within the last 30 years tough laws have been passed to make sure that no chemicals contaminate fishing streams and that mines restore areas they have used or altered. This is a water purification system at Samatosum. The water from this system is purer than most tap water.

56. During reclamation tailing ponds, like this one at Highland Valley Copper, are seeded and made into excellent pasture for grazing.

57. Waste dumps are covered with glacial till which was removed during the initial excavation of the minesite and stockpiled for this purpose. At the Afton Mine (copper-gold) near Kamloops there is little apparent difference between the reclaimed waste dump in the foreground and the unaltered countryside in the background.


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58, 59, 60. These three slides show the progressive development of grass growing on a waste dump. Brenda Mine (copper) near Peachland. Although the mine is now closed, the process of reclamation is ongoing.

61. A lot of work goes into the reclamation process before the grass actually grows. Here a bulldozer contours or reshapes a waste dump to restore the land as close to its original contours as possible.

62. Older as well as new mines have to put up bonds to guarantee that finances will be available for reclamation. Nonetheless, some concerns do remain:

a) What will happen to the toxic chemicals from this settling pond?

b) Some waste dumps are large and steep and therefore, it would seem, difficult to reclaim.

c) How to safely use cyanide in recovering gold.

63. And what about the pits once all the ore has been extracted? Should they be filled in? Should they be flooded? Should they be left alone? Island Copper (Port Hardy, BC) flooded their pits with seawater, while this pit at Afton (near Kamloops, BC, now closed) will be fenced off until a better solution can be found.

64. It is interesting to note that all of the mines that have been in operation since 1800 cover only one tenth of 1% of BC’s land surface, part of which has since been reclaimed – a process that is continuing.

65. As seen by this slide, some tailing ponds can be reclaimed for fish and wildlife, as well as for human use.

66. Some mine neighbours do not want mines nearby, while others welcome them. Afton mine has cleared a special channel for irrigation, which has helped many farmers and ranchers. Most mines play a large role in their communities by buying supplies locally and by sponsoring or helping out with special community projects and events. These same communities often suffer when the mine closes, as all mines eventually must.

67. Part of the reality facing the mining industry today, in addition to the economic, environmental and bureaucratic factors, is the issue of First Nations land claims. It is inevitable that in many areas in the province, claims will need to be taken into consideration.


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Topic Five - Reclamation

RECLAMATION

PastMining in British Columbia has come a long way since Billy Barker made and lost a fortune in gold during the 1860’s. In the early days prospectors went out with a pick and sometimes a little knowledge of rocks. Ore bodies were often found by accident or luck.

NOTE: Take a field trip to Britannia Mines (the Britannia Mine Museum) or visit another museum or mining school resource centre.

In the past, once a mine was established, there were no government regulations to ensure:

• the safety of the miners;• the hours they worked; or• the safety of the environment.

Many miners eked out meagre rewards in small, dusty, unsafe mines. Waste rock and low-grade ore were dumped where it was economically convenient, without thought to whether it “looked nice”. Few cared whether what they did would harm local streams or wildlife. In fact, there was very little known about the effects of waste dumps and acid rock drainage (ARD) (Ref: ARD website, see Appendix). No one really worried about tunnels collapsing in future years.

Britannia Mines placed all their tailings immediately offshore of Britannia Beach in Howe Sound. Later, environmentalists claimed that ARD generated by these tailings had destroyed aquatic life in the Sound around Britannia Beach. Underwater burial, however, has proven to be the best way to prevent the generation of acidic waters. Recent research at Britannia further indicates that ARD there originates as fresh groundwater seeping through the old adits, breaking down sulphide minerals and transporting metals away. Research by Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicates that acidic effluent from Britannia Creek with high metal content adversely affects marine life near the mouth of the creek. To assist in the remediation of the Britannia Mine site, a water treatment plant was built on site and put into operation in 2005 (Ref: Britannia Mine Remediation web site).

Similarly, in its early years of operation, Myra Falls Mine in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island dumped tailings into Buttle Lake. When the levels of heavy metals in the lake increased, it was thought they were caused by the tailings. Dumping in the lake stopped; tailings were deposited at a site on land instead. Later studies revealed that the environmental problems associated with heavy metal increases in Buttle Lake resulted from the construction of access roads that used acid-generating waste rock, and from water draining through mine adits and waste rock sites, not from the subaqueous tailings dumps.

Although ARD is the number one problem mines face worldwide, they are not the only organizations to suffer this problem. When fish and wildlife populations around the Halifax International Airport were decreasing, it was discovered that ARD was responsible due to the fact that the airport was built on a base containing iron pyrite. Remedial research found that the

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Five - Reclamation

most effective solution was to cover the rock first with a layer of salt and then 1 metre of clay; leaching was reduced by 99.9%.

Industry, officials and scientists now agree that the best known way to limit ARD damage is to cover waste with water to prevent oxidation. Island Copper put their waste rock in Rupert Inlet with few adverse effects. In most areas, however, politics would not allow this. Although ongoing research looks at more effective ways to prevent ARD, it is important to remember that a certain degree of environmental impact is inevitable.

Underground mine operators used to ignore not only problems generated by their waste, but also abandon their shafts and tunnels without reclamation. These now must be filled in to stop cave-ins.

Present Today, all mines must follow strict environmental guidelines established by both federal and provincial governments. Guidelines are developed through the collaborative effort of mining companies, professionals, environmentalists, government agencies and the public. (Ref: Environmental Assessment Office website, see Appendix.)

Most mines and mining companies establish their own environmental policies, written by their environmental coordinators. These policies often surpass government regulations. Canadian companies generally either follow, or use as a guide, The Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining Guiding Principals policy (Ref: page 5-3), tailoring it to specific sites. Once an ore body has been identified through exploration, planning for a new mine must take into account all aspects of the potential impact on the environment. As part of the mine feasibility study, pre-production environmental conditions at the mine site are established as a base-line, and mitigative measures are designed to minimize the impact of proposed mining activity on the surrounding ecosystems. The design for a new mine has to incorporate environmentally appropriate technology and operating procedures, even before construction begins. Before mining can begin, permits must be obtained from the Governments. These will stipulate any special requirements the company must comply with.

During the operating life of a mine, on-going environmental assessments are conducted, both by the mine and by the government, to ensure that the impact on the ecosystem falls within environmental standards. The monitoring may also identify areas where additional corrective measures are required. Pro-active steps taken in the mine’s design to address environmental challenges have the advantage of being more efficient and cost-effective than reactive measures taken to address environmental problems after a mine is already operating.

At mine closure, land disturbed by mining, including waste dumps and tailings ponds, must be returned to environmentally acceptable conditions. In BC all mining companies enter into decommissioning and reclamation agreements with appropriate regulatory agencies before mine development begins. Plans for the decommissioning and reclamation processes are outlined in the mine feasibility study, before construction even begins.

Minesite reclamation activities are an on-going process. It commences the first year of operation and continues well past the mine’s closure.


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Environmental Priorities The first environmental priority of a mine is to protect the waters and the environment surrounding the site from any contaminating substances that may be generated by, or used, during the operation. For example:

• If waste rock from the mine contains sulphide minerals, those minerals upon exposure to air and water may undergo a natural chemical reaction resulting in the formation of acidic drainage, or acid rock drainage (ARD). Although this is a natural process involving bacteria, it is accelerated by the mining activity. Fractured rock allows greater and faster reactivity, resulting in increased leaching of heavy metals, which can be very toxic to the plant and animal life. Mines working with this type of rock are challenged to devise methods of preventing, controlling or treating ARD.

• Many of the solids and liquids that remain after minerals are extracted in the milling process contain metals and/or residual chemicals and must be disposed of in a way which protects the environment. A tailings pond is used to impound waste rock sand discharged from the mill. Some mines operate a closed perimeter system, which ensures no discharge of water from the mine site. Examples of this are the huge Highland Valley Copper mine near Logan Lake and the small Eskay Mine at Barriere. This can, however, only be done in the appropriate climatic setting. Coal tailings resulting from the processing of coal do not require this type of closed system as the material is inert and does not have toxic properties, but recycling of water to the plant is usually done anyway.

• There is a need to protect waterways from sediment washed from operating mine surfaces due to rain or snowmelt. Coal mines have large sediment ponds designed to treat sediment laden water and discharge clean water in order to comply with government permit limits.

• The Samatosum mine, close to Adams Lake, took extensive measures to address the need to protect the valuable Adams River salmon run from any dangerous waste entering this water system. As part of Samatosum’s Spill Contingency Plan, a “system of notification” was developed for all ranchers and farmers that connect to Johnson Creek, in the event of any problems with the water system. To further reduce the chance of a possible spill, a series of tailings ponds lined with impermeable clay were also built. A high tech water purification system was built as a further back up. Not only has this pleased the neighbours who operate fishing camps and irrigate agricultural land, but the environmental groups are also satisfied.

One of the most visible areas of a mine’s environmental policy is its reclamation efforts. All mines today must reclaim waste dumps, as well as the overall site, to a condition that will allow acceptable use by future generations. Most mines have permanent environmental staff members who constantly monitor water samples, re-seed disturbed land, conduct research, collaborate with government agencies, and develop new techniques in seed germination. The research is site specific. Other mines may hire companies who specialize in environmental protection and reclamation. All new mines must decide what the end land use of the mine will be and post substantial bonds with the province to ensure that initially proposed reclamation will take place, especially after the mine ceases to operate.

Unfortunately, little can be done with the actual acidity (pH level) in most open pit metallic mines. Some will be flooded with freshwater or possibly, as at Island Copper on Vancouver Island, with


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seawater. Some pits will be fenced off. That these pits remain an eye sore is obvious, but there are suggestions to lessen the impact. In some cases, as at the Quintette Coal Mine, final pit walls are an important part of the approved end land use plan: a wildlife habitat. In this case, local populations of mountain goat can use the stepped walls as escape terrain and use the seeded waste dumps adjacent to the pit for foraging. Acid drainage is not a problem at this site. Another option for a depleted pit would be to use it as a garbage dump, thereby giving the mine pit a useful secondary purpose.

Concerns also continue to exist over the safety of the tailings ponds and their dams. What happens if there is an earthquake or a climate change? What about tailings ponds that contain cyanide? Mines must protect the environment to the satisfaction of the public and the various government agencies.

FutureThe future of mining is difficult to predict. Every day mines must consider changing metal prices, changes in the value of our dollar on the international monetary markets, and pressure by environmentalists, community groups, First Nation groups and unions.

Few of us would willingly give up our present lifestyles, which are greatly dependent on the minerals we mine. Therefore, if we are to accept that there has to be a future for mining, we must be prepared to make decisions where all the stakeholders can have a voice. All aspects of mining are constantly being researched and reviewed. For example, the MEND (Mine Environment Neutral Drainage) program was established by industry and provincial and federal governments to examine the problem of acidic drainage from tailings as well as waste rock. This $17.5 million program was credited with reducing the liability due to ARD by at least $400 million by 2007. The program was divided into four main areas of research:

1. Prediction (chemical and computer modelling)

2. Prevention and Control

a) Dry Barriers c) Waste Rock e) Underwater Disposal

b) Wet Barriers d) New Ideas

3. Treatment

4. Monitoring.

REFERENCE: MEND Web site (http://www.mend-nedem.org/)

Research has come up with ways to increase metal production using sulphur-metabolizing bacteria. Miners are now experimenting by using bacteria to stop acid rock drainage. This, of course, creates a new set of environmental questions, but the fact remains that research will never stop.

Interesting issues arise when we think in terms of mining in the future:

• Underwater mining is now a reality. What are the challenges, risks and benefits?

• Maybe the moon or even the planets will be mined one day.

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Mine Site Reclamation

OverviewMine development generally proceeds through four stages:

1. Pre-mining,

2. Active mining,

3. Post-mining, and

4. Assessment and monitoring.

There are a number of groups involved in the mining process with the major players being the mining company and the various government agencies responsible for overseeing the mining activities.

Pre-miningPrior to approval for mine development, an extensive environmental review, called an Environmental Impact Assessment, is undertaken. This involves preparing an inventory of all the physical (i.e. soil, water, climatic data) and biological aspects (i.e. wildlife and plant species) of the area. The collection of this data serves three purposes:

1. It provides government agencies, industry and the public with environmental baseline information for the area covered by the proposed project;

2. It identifies the impact risks related to such a project; and

3. It provides the company and government with important baseline information for mine site reclamation and impact mitigation: ideally the environment should be restored to the original baseline.

Active MiningDuring active mining, the government and the company collaborate in an effort to evaluate and monitor environmental impact. During mining, the company generally conducts field studies and implements appropriate mining procedures and reclamation techniques to minimize the impact to the environment. By doing this, mining companies not only reduce environmental impact, but also minimize the amount of work needed during the post-mining stage.

Post-miningResource depletion or economic reasons (e.g. currency fluctuations) may force a mine to close down. In cases where mines are expected to re-open during more favourable economic conditions, not all areas need to be reclaimed immediately. However, if a company is certain


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that a mine will not re-open in the foreseeable future, it is required to reclaim disturbances to the land use capability determined in the initial proposals. During the first two stages (active mining stage and pre-mining) the data collected allows both the mining company and the government agencies to make decisions regarding the objectives of the post-mining reclamation. After reclamation has been completed and the site is capable of sustaining other land uses, the fourth and final stage - monitoring and assessment, is initiated.

Monitoring and Assessment

During this stage both the company and government personnel monitor and assess the reclaimed areas for their ability to continuously meet the prescribed land-use objectives. This includes biological studies to monitor the biological aspects of the system (i.e. vegetation and animal population surveys) and engineering studies to monitor the physical component of the system (i.e. water quality and slope stability investigations).

Acid Rock DrainageAcid Rock Drainage (ARD) is the result of oxidation of sulphide minerals, particularly iron pyrite, and the subsequent release of sulphuric acid and metal sulphates into natural runoff from precipitation and snowmelt. This may carry the acid-generating products into streams, lakes and the ground water table. Acid generation can occur in any sulphide-containing rock exposed to the atmosphere, whether by nature or by man’s activities, such as mining, waste dumping, or road building.

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria reduce sulphur, thereby increasing sulphide oxidation and acid generation. These bacteria, and the oxidation process itself, require oxygen (air) along with moisture; the latter is a more important factor in the transportation of the oxidation products into the environment. The most effective abatement technique, therefore, is to eliminate the supply of oxygen and/or moisture. At present, the best known method to accomplish this is to place potentially acid generating materials under water where there is little or no free oxygen available (i.e. under anaerobic conditions): underwater disposal prevents the start of the oxidation process. This could be done with materials that have not yet been oxidized, i.e. fresh waste rock and/or tailings. Other, potentially harmful products such as milling reagents in tailings must be removed prior to such subaqueous disposal.

Where underwater disposal is not possible, or not politically acceptable, two other strategies are often employed: capping (or sealing) and/or mixing with acid consuming materials. A com-bination of these techniques is used where possible. Capping or sealing is done to minimize air circulation (oxygen supply) through the waste material. Perhaps more importantly, a seal that prevented water from moving through the waste would further minimize acidic water forma-tion and drainage into the environment. A great deal of research is currently being undertaken on suitable capping materials and application techniques. The Myra Falls Operation completed

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a pilot scale test of a shotcrete seal: a concrete mix sprayed onto waste rock. Other materials used include: compacted till, clay and sand, high-density plastics (poly-ethylene), composted sludge, asphalt, or “sandwich” combinations of several of these. Mixing with acid-consuming materials, such as lime (limestone or dolo-mite) is used to maintain an alkaline or neutral environment. The objective was to maintain a high or neutral pH level, by neutralizing any acid that is forming, or to prevent acid from forming in the first place. Acid-consuming materials may be placed in layers over and un-der acid-generating materials or be mixed in, depending on availability and quantities required. A combination of mixing and capping is preferably used where materials for both techniques are available.

A third technique under examination is the use of wetlands. Two processes are believed to be effective in this approach: natural metal uptake by vegetation and the reduction of sulphates to sulphides by specialized bacteria that are naturally active in the layers of decomposing vegetation. Metal uptake may be accomplished by certain species of plants found in bogs and wetlands. In the same manner, wetlands have also been used to purify sewage sludges. Up until now, this method has been used on relatively small streams only, as they do not appear to be very effective under high flow conditions. This is, however, a very promising natural way of bioremediation, and a lot of research is currently under way to optimize this technique.

Water Quality At many older mine sites or other land disturbances, such as highways, ARD has existed for a long time; neither the process nor the environmental impact of ARD was well understood. At such sites, drainage becomes contaminated, not only by becoming acid, but also by heavy metals leached out of country rock by the acid. Before releasing such drainage to the environment, it must be treated and the contaminants removed. In most cases this is accomplished by adding lime to raise the pH of the water from acidic to alkaline. At the higher pH, metals come out of solution and form a metal hydroxide sludge that can be precipitated and removed, leaving clean water. The pH of this water can then be further adjusted with carbon dioxide or a weak acid as required to protect fresh water organisms. Other methods used include ion exchange processes, other chemical treatments and, as mentioned above, bioremediation in wetlands or water treatment plants. In most cases these treatment techniques require the installation of elaborate water collection and handling systems that may include ditches, pumping and pipeline facilities, sludge thickeners, and/or settling ponds.

Acid generation is difficult to curb once it has started and may continue for some time, even after capping or sealing. Water treatment facilities may be maintained and operated long after the mine has been worked out to ensure continued water quality protection. This is one reason why wetlands are considered so promising: they use a natural process and require relatively little operation and maintenance. All mines today are required to have special financial bonds in place to guarantee site restoration and continued operation of water treatment facilities where necessary.


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Digging For Answers Video Overview

Digging For Answers (1998) takes a unique look at mining, reclamation and related environmental problems. Five highschool students investigate this controversial topic by visiting four operating mines in British Columbia: Fording River, Line Creek Coal, Highland Valley Copper and Myra Falls underground copper mine. In addition, they also visit a recently closed copper mine, Afton. Discussions are held with a senior mining executive and an upper level representative from the provincial government’s mine inspection branch.

The video is divided into nine sections. Each of these sections deals with the topic from a slightly different angle at a different location.

1. Opinion

The students gather in an informal setting to determine what they know and what they would like to know about mine site reclamation. There are a variety of opinions expressed, ranging from a concern about wildlife habitat to understanding the importance of mining in our modern lifestyle.

2. ExecutiveA visit with a senior mining executive at Teck Corporation (now Teck Resources Ltd.) head office answers some questions about the role of head office in reclamation and environmental protection. Other issues are raised as well: mining and the local community, Canada’s role internationally, and mining and how it relates to government regulation. It is pointed out to the students that many of their questions are best answered by a tour of the different mine sites.

3. ReclamationFording River mine, located in the Rockies, is the first mine visited. Here, the students get an introduction to the scope of reclamation at a large operating mine: dust control, water quality monitoring, replanting and elk habitat maintenance. They also get a first-hand view of Elkford, a community whose existence is dependent on mining.

4. Innovation

Each mine has its unique set of problems to overcome during reclamation and, therefore, must be innovative in approach. Line Creek, a coal mine close to Fording River, has a large resident population of Big Horn sheep. Reclamation is focused toward maintaining sheep habitat. Settling ponds used to control water quality and a conveyer belt for transporting coal are also covered.

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5. Research

Mining reclamation is a relatively new activity and, as each new site has its own specific problems, research is ongoing. The Myra Falls operation is a mine located on the edge of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Rainfall and snowfall are heavy here and, as well, a river runs through the mine property, which is also adjacent to a large lake. Obviously, water quality is an issue. Acid rock drainage (ARD) is a serious concern and different ways of dealing with the problem are discussed.

6. Renew

Highland Valley Copper, one of the largest mines in North America presents a different set of challenges. Its size and dry climate make it unique to Canada. Here, students discover that tailings ponds no longer in use can be effectively turned in to fish habitat and that through the use of biosolids, the surrounding land can be renewed.

7. Habitat

Afton is the only closed mine visited. It is located on a cattle ranch in central BC. And has an abundance of wildlife. As a result, the habitat recreated by the mine must satisfy both local and migratory wildlife, as well as support a commercial ranching venture. At Afton, the former tailings pond is being turned into viable wetland and waste dumps are reclaimed with glacial till and local grasses.

8. Regulation

To maintain a balanced approach, a senior government mine inspector is visited. The students learn that government regulations and the Mines Act play an effective role in environmental protection. The students express again their uncertainty that officials actually care about the environment.

9. ConclusionThrough the first-hand observation and a variety of discussions, the five investigating students reach some conclusions. In final agreement, they review what they have learned and state how their preconceptions have changed.


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Questions

Part 1 Question for discussion prior to viewing the video. This question could be the focus of individual, small group or full class exploration.

“If the development of a mine was proposed in your community, what would be your questions or concerns? Consider as many possible sides of this issue as you can.”

Part 2 Questions to be answered while the video is in progress. The answers to these questions are in order of occurrence and are intended to be short answers. Questions should be reviewed with the students prior to the beginning.

1. List three concerns the students had the opening of the video.

2. List two ways in which mining companies are regulated from an environmental standpoint.

3. What two activities carried out at Fording River are necessary to protect the environment?

4. What environmental purpose does the conveyor belt at the Line Creek Mine serve?

5. Why does the Myra Falls minesite use a helicopter?

6. What are biosolids used for?

STUDENT ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE VIDEO “DIGGING FOR ANSWERS”

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7. Once reclaimed the Afton mine tailings pond, what will be their end use?

8. According to Manager of Reclamation and Permitting for the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources what are two reasons that mines reclaim land?

9. What were two things that stood out in the students’ minds as they carried out their investigations?


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Part 3 Some suggested questions for further discussion or in-depth research. Again, the approach could be individual, small group, or full class involvement.

1. What is ARD (sometimes known as AMD)? What are the problems associated with it? In what ways is it controlled? What are the mining company’s responsibilities in this area?

2. How do you feel about Ryan’s vision of life without mining?

3. What are the responsibilities that Canadian mining companies have toward the environment, both at home and in other parts of the world?

4. The Sr. Vice President of Mining for Teck Resources Ltd. states that governments aren’t too strict, but the permitting process takes too long. What are your views?

5. Describe in general the environmental standards in mining in B.C. Research further those in forestry and the resource industries.

6. A recurring question throughout the video is: “Do the people involved in the mining industry really care about the environment?” Discuss.

7. In order to apply for a development permit, what areas of the environment must a mining company consider?

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8. Describe in detail what goes into a mine reclamation plan.

9. How has the Myra Falls operation tried to deal with the added responsibility of mining on the edge of a Provincial Park?

10. Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of the use of biosolids.

11. A ranch coexists with a mine at Afton. What other activities might coexist with mining?

12. What is the government’s role in protecting the environment at minesites? Be specific.

13. Research the history of mine reclamation in B.C. from the early days of mining to the present. What problems are yet to be solved? What progress has been made?

14. Environmental problems at minesites are often said to be site specific. What does this mean? Cite examples.

15. Can industry coexist with the natural environment? Explain.


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Topic Six - Economics of Mining

Economics of miningNOTE: It is advisable to refer back to other sections as well, as Economics comes

to play in each and every stage of the mining process from Exploration through Reclamation.

overview

In 1990 the fortunes of the British Columbia mining industry took a sharp downturn. The number of operating mines in the province decreased from 21 in 1989 to only 12 in early 2004. Although the number has risen again since then, the industry was still affected in 2008 during the global economic downturn. As of 2012, there are 22 operating metal and coal mines in BC. Eventhough metal prices fluctuate and are highly dependent on market stability in the global economy, prices have generally risen due to greater demand for metals in our ever expanding society. Besides the big downturn of 2008, this rise has sparked renewed investment in mineral exploration in BC and around the world. It has also made mines already in production more profitable than they had been previously.

World metal price forecasts are important as companies attempt to balance operating costs against predicted future revenues. Since most metals prices are quoted in U.S. dollars, the value of the Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar also plays a large role: i.e. the lower the value of the Canadian dollar the more Canadian dollars a mine receives for its products. Cost uncertainties, imposed by governments increasing environmental protection legislation, also contribute to the dilemma of mining companies trying to determine the viability of ore deposits.

Given that some currently operating BC mines are expected to cease operation in the next few years, the industry must be encouraged to develop new mines to continue its economic contribution to the well being of British Columbia, as it is the province’s second largest resource industry. Much more time and money devoted to grassroots exploration will be required to find a new ore deposits in BC which could be developed as mines in the future. As of 2012, there are 20 proposed metal and coal mine projects at various stages of review.

Today (2012) there are 12 metal and 10 coal mines operating in BC. World metal prices have climbed in the past few years, and development in China and India is fueling a robust minerals industry, spurring new mineral exploration and stepped up mine production. The BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources “British Columbia Mines and Mineral Exploration Overview” concisely documents the expense growth of new exploration targets, advanced exploration projects, and current operations in the province every year.

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Six - Economics of Mining

cost components - What are they?1. Exploration

2. Feasibility studies

3. Start-up capital

4. Operating costs, including:

a) Wages/Salaries

b) Equipment maintenance

c) Power

5. Supplies

6. Reclamation/Mine Closure

7. Taxes

8. Transportation

1. ExplorationIn 2011, exploration expenditures reached $463,000,000 in the mining industry in BC. This was a significant increase from the 2008 collapse and a long way from the $30,000,000 low in 2000. Exploration is comprised of many activities. For example, geologists will initially evaluate data contained on regional geological maps and identify areas they consider of interest, i.e. areas that may contain mineralization. From those, specific targets will be selected for further study. That may start with field mapping during which geologists walk over a chosen site and map all the geological features (e.g. rock types, folds, faults). A drilling program may follow mapping, but before drilling begins there will likely be satellite imaging, aerial geophysical surveys and additional ground surveys (e.g. geochemical sampling) as outlined on page 2-4. This usually entails driving trails by dozers and preparing sites so that drill rigs can be moved in and set up. Where the terrain makes it is impossible to drive trails, drill rigs are flown to drill sites by helicopter.

Rock core recovered by the drilling process must be carefully boxed, transported out, secured at some suitable location and examined by geologists and assayers. If drill results show an absence of mineralization, the area may be eliminated from the list of targets. If the results are encouraging, a much more extensive and comprehensive drilling program may be undertaken, costing several millions of dollars. Using special computer software programs, geologists input all data collected and develop a 3-D geological model of the ore body. Of 10,000 prospects discovered several hundred may warrant a further look, with only a few actually resulting in mines (Ref: BLM Maps).


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2. feasibility studies Once the mineral deposit has been delineated, a team of engineers will initiate a technical feasibility study. This team will include professionals in the mining, electrical, mechanical, civil, geotechnical, geological, environmental and process engineering disciplines. Their objective will be to determine whether it is technically feasible to mine and process the ore cost-effectively, while meeting all regulatory and corporate requirements relative to the protection of the environment and, most importantly, the safety of employees. The team must design a mine plan, which will allow for the efficient extraction of the ore and its delivery to a mill. Additionally, the team will determine the location of the mill, the tailings pond and waste rock areas. The mill circuitry will be designed to ensure the maximum recovery of the economic minerals contained within the ore.

Other professionals will join the team adding financial and marketing expertise. An economic feasibility study will then be conducted to include the following financial considerations:

a) All pre-production expenses

b) Mine operating cost per unit of product (ton of coal or lb. of copper)

c) Transportation costs per unit of product

d) Finance costs (interest rates)

e) Taxes

f) Current and forecast product prices and, hence, revenue predictions

g) U.S./CAN dollar exchange rate

h) Reclamation bond.

Using this data, a “most likely” economic scenario can then be established. The team will then input into the computer program possible variances of the above parameters.

These studies are extremely time-consuming. Each technical study can take two to three years to complete, depending upon: the detail of background environment data that must be collected and evaluated, the complexity of the ore body, and the severity of problems related to remoteness and to terrain. These studies are also expensive, often costing several million dollars.

3. start-up capitalOnce a mineral deposit has been found to be technically and economically feasible to mine, the company will submit its plans to the BC Government, where they will be reviewed by various Departments as part of the Government’s Environmental Assessment Process. This process now takes two years or more. During this period the company will meet the following requirements:

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a) Present a detailed explanation of its plan

b) Carry out additional planning and other studies, as required by the government representatives, to satisfy any concerns they have regarding safety of operation of the proposed mine and environmental matters

c) Meet with councils of towns in close proximity to the proposed mine, local residents and other concerned citizens and groups at public meetings, to explain the plan and to address any concerns they may have

d) If the project is deemed satisfactory, receive approval by Cabinet decision

e) Obtain permits related to land access, use of water, etc.

Once approved, and with all applicable permits obtained, the company can then proceed to develop the property. This requires time, money and intense effort and skill on the part of many people, for example:

a) Selection and hiring of consultants and contractors to carry out various assignments

b) Developing access to the mine site

c) Developing a road network on the mine site that will connect the pit or underground portals, maintenance facilities and offices, as well as clearing of the areas where they are to be located

d) Procurement and assembly of equipment

e) Installation of power lines and substations

f) Installation of other services - water, gas, sewage

g) Construction of the mill, workshops, offices, conveyor lines, silos, product loadout facilities, tailings ponds and sediment ponds

h) Construction of a rail branch line

i) Removal of overburden in the case of a surface mine, or development of shafts (production and access) tunnels and ventilation shafts if an underground mine

j) Hiring of the work force

k) Organizing and conducting appropriate training programs.

This adds up to the expenditure of often hundreds of millions of dollars. The construction phase may be completed another three years later, by which time the first ore is delivered to the mill, and a “saleable” product can finally be produced.


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4. operatingThe mineral product is loaded into trucks or rail cars, also at a cost. This cost of production can be expressed as: X $/oz., Y $ or C/lb. or Z $/ton, the values X, Y and Z being determined by dividing the total of all the component costs of production by the number of units of saleable product produced. These components include:

a) Wages/salaries These add up to between 18% - 45% of total operating costs. For example, in 2011:

• The average wage/salary was $115,700/year, including benefits.**

• The BC mining industry paid approximately $1.1 billion in wages to 9,310 employees.**

b) Equipment maintenance Maintenance of equipment also represents a significant part of total operating costs:

• Equipment is huge and a new 400 ton (360 tonne) haul truck can cost an average of $5 million (base price, does not include delivery or assembly).

• Machinery and equipment expenditures in 2011 went up to $1.6 billion largely due to operating properties.

c) PowerElectric power can be purchased from BC Hydro or generated on site at self owned hydro dams or diesel generators. Electricity is the main form of energy for several reasons:

a) It’s economical

b) It’s clean

c) It’s quiet

• Total expenditure by BC mines on energy and fuels in 2011 was $605,000,000**, up from $431,000,000 in 2010**.

Alternative forms of energy are diesel fuel, natural gas, gasoline, coal and coke.

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d) suppliesIncludes everything from stationery and industrial gloves to haul truck tires and explosives:

• A haul truck tire may cost up ro $60,000 each, depending on the size of the truck. (There are six on each truck.)

e) Reclamation/mine closureMany dollars have to be spent to prepare for mine closure, i.e. to prepare workers for other jobs in the community:

• In 2011, $63,000,000 was spent on reclamation by 3 mines that were in the reclamation stage of the mining cycle. The same $63 million were spent by 8 mines at the reclamation stage in 2006. There have been significant increase in the emphasis of spending on reclamation**

• Samatosum Mine, now closed, was a small silver mine near Barriere. It originally posted a $1,000,000 bond and allocated an additional $80,000/month towards reclamation while it was operating. Its predicted 5 years life span meant mine and mill employees had to think about retraining from the beginning. The company paid for their employees’ retraining courses.

• When Brenda Mines closed in 1990 the union, company, community, federal and provincial governments collectively helped to assist people in the adjustment and provide a program for employees. The employees were offered job sharing to learn new skills, assistance in starting up a small business, counselling for retirement and financial planning assistance. A job placement office was set up in the community prior to closure of the mine. The program was deemed a success by all involved.

• Sullivan Mine in Kimberley, B.C. closed in 2001 after nearly 100 years in operation during which time it produced more than $20 billion in lead, zinc and silver. Upwards of $70 million was designated for closure activities including the reclamation of tailings and waste rock dumps, a property-wide Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, Contaminated Site Assessments, demolition of buildings/structures, and the establishment of an underground mine dewatering system to collect contaminated waters for delivery to a water treatment plant. Teck Resources Ltd. and the City of Kimberley teamed up in the early 1990s to transform the City into a tourist and retirement destination, with Teck Resources Ltd. donating land back to the city and helping further develop the Kimberley ski hill and building a new 27-hole golf course.


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f) TaxesThe cost of taxes is difficult to predict, as it depends on governments and mandates, which invariably change:

• In 2011 the BC mining industry paid $590,000,000** in direct taxes, and $805,000,000 in total government payments, including direct taxes, other levies and payments related to employment.

g) TransportationVarious modes of transportation are used to deliver product - truck, train, and ship. In the case of the now closed Snip mine in northwest BC the most efficient way to transport the concentrate was determined to be by large hovercraft vessels:

• In 2011 the BC mining industry paid $986,000,000** for transportation.

summationMining is a challenging business. It requires investment of substantial amounts of money (100s of millions of dollars) to establish a mine before there is any production. Despite advances in exploration technology and ore body evaluation techniques, surprises are still possible: ore grades may be less than predicted; mill recoveries lower than planned; metal prices and dollar exchange rates can be at variance with predictions. New legislation may increase taxes and costs related to environmental considerations. It is a high-risk industry and not for the faint-hearted!

** For current information check the annual PricewaterhouseCoopers report The Mining Industry in British Columbia at www.pwc.com/ca/en/mining.


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Topic Seven - Case Study

CASE STUDY - Background

Bedford Gold Corp. (Copper, Molybdenum, Gold) – Tsitsul Mine Site

Bedford Gold Corp. is planning development of an open pit mine operation near Mt. Tsitsul. The Mt. Tsitsul project is located at 52° 45’ N. Lat. and 125° 40’ W. Long. Bella Coola is located 120 km to the SW and Anahim Lake is 90 km to the SE.

Facts at a glance

• An ore body has been discovered half a kilometre from the boundary of a park

• The ore body is located on land claimed by the Anahim First Nation

• Work on the ore body can be seen from up to 1 km inside the park

• The ore body contains 0.52% copper at surface

• It also contains an average of 0.024% molybdenum and 0.01 oz (0.311 grams) of gold per ton, and traces of silver

• Approximately 302 million tonnes of ore could be mined by digging an open pit

• The stripping ratio is 1.5:1 (tonnes of waste for every tonne of ore mined).

Before the Mt. Tsitsul project can proceed, Bedford Gold Corp. must submit development details to the Environmental Assessment Process of the provincial government’s Environmental Assessment Office for review.

The review process requires Bedford Gold Corp. to undertake, and report the results of, studies on the environmental, technical and socio-economic aspects of development.

Development of the Mt. Tsitsul project will be guided by:

• Corporate policies related to environmental protection (Ref: Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining Guiding Principles, Page 5-3);

• Various acts and regulations related to environmental protection as well as to the safety and health of employees.

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Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Seven - Case Study

CASE STUDY - Project History

The earliest record of exploration activity in the area indicates that prospector Jarvis Fulp found gold-bearing float on the eastern flank of Mt. Tsitsul in 1936. In 1951 Mr. Fulp returned to the area and staked 12 two-post claims near the present proposed site, south of Dean River.

Four years of exploration work by different mining companies resulted in the first discoveries of copper/gold mineralization, but thereafter little activity took place because of poor assay results. The area remained dormant until Bedford Gold Corp. began exploration drilling to probe geochemical anomalies. In 1980 the Bedford Gold Corp. purchased the mineral rights from J. Fulp.

Mineral rights are now secured for 8 mineral claims. These claims cover approximately 20,000 hectares of land. Bedford Gold Corp. expects to complete the feasibility study of the Mt. Tsitsul project in the third quarter of the current year.

The mining method will be open pit, similar to that used at other large mining operations in BC. Two waste rock dumps have been designed to store waste rock and overburden. Water from the pit, run-off from waste dumps and wash water from maintenance shops will flow into sediment ponds. Two sediment ponds will capture run-off from waste rock and other disturbed areas. All water from these ponds will be pumped to the tailings pond.

Tailings and sediment will settle out in the tailings pond. The clarified water will then be pumped to the mill and re-used, thus creating a closed system.

Based on information presented by individual groups:

Should this mine be allowed to go ahead?

The ultimate decision will be made by the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the BC Environmental Assessment Office. What will your “class” decide?

NOTES:

• This case study could include group discussion, data and resource collection, research of subject, as well as personal interviews.

• After the research and preparation has been completed each group should have an opportunity to present its case to the class.


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CASE STUDY – Procedure

NOTE: Contact Information Sheets are located at the back of the unit in the Appendix.

Step 1Each class member should read over the background information titled “Background” and take notes if necessary. Once everyone is familiar with this information the class should be divided into 6 - 10 groups, one for each special interest group you wish to research.

Step 2Once members of each group feel satisfied with their information (or after a set time limit), each group will present a point of view, during a general discussion. Each point of view should be argued and countered if necessary, perhaps compromised if possible. Once all groups have presented the information, and the arguments and counter arguments they feel are necessary have been aired, a decision should be reached as to whether or not the mine will be allowed to open.

Step 3An individual from each group will make a short presentation outlining their group’s special interests and concerns. Consensus could be reached with the class being responsible for the ultimate decision.

Editors’ NoteIn August 1991, the Province of British Columbia proclaimed the Environmental Assessment Act, which formalized the Province’s long-standing Mine Development Review Process. The legislation was updated in June 1995, and again in December 30, 2002.

The publication Mine Proponent’s Guide: How to Prepare Terms of Reference and an Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate, published by the Environmental Assessment Office in 2006, describes the procedures for reviewing and certifying mine developments in British Columbia pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act (Ref: Environmental Assessment Office Web site, see Appendix). It is designed to assist mine proponents, government agencies, First Nations and the general public in understanding the application and certification process. In any interpretation, the Act takes precedence over this guide.

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Elected Officials – Governments

There are a number of elected officials in the area of the Tsitsul mine site, including Federal Members of Parliament, Provincial Members of the Legislative Assembly and local mayors or Regional District representatives of the local communities.

Member of Parliament (M.P.) ____________________________________

Member of Legislative Assembly (M.L.A.) ____________________________________

Mayor of Bella Coola ____________________________________

Regional District Representative ________________________________

The elected officials must decide on their overall plan of action. (This can always change, depending on the information given by others.)

This position could be:

a) Positive towards the overall project (answers)

b) Negative towards the overall project (questions), or

c) Remain neutral (answers and questions)

As an elected representative of your community you have a significant role to play in the overall review process. At any time you may make reference to Federal Provincial Ministries that may assist you in presenting your case. You are a powerful group that is responsible for the well-being of the people that elected you.

The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Provincial Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Environment and Environmental Assessment Office are available to provide information for you!

Use your power wisely!

Player #1


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Federal and Provincial Ministries

Government bodies that assess and regulate the environmental impacts of mining in BC are:

1. BC Ministry of Environment

a) Air, water, land and parks

b) Waste management

c) Fisheries and wildlife

d) Parks and recreation areas.

e.) Includes the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO)

2. Fisheries and Oceans Canada

a) Emphasis on salmon population.

3. Environment Canada

a) Water quality and management across boundaries (Provincial, Federal, and parks).

4. BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

a) Exploration regulations

b) Mining regulations

c) Mine Development Assessment Process.

The above agencies will assess the mine development proposals that are submitted by the Bedford Gold Corporation in what is called: The Tsitsul Prospectus. This Prospectus will consider all aspects of effective environmental protection and management, including air, water, land, fisheries and wildlife.

The Prospectus on the Tsitsul site will be presented to the Environmental Assessment Process (EAP). The EAP will refer the Prospectus to the various Government Agencies for review and impact assessment.

The Agencies will have to be satisfied that all relevant environmental matters have been investigated, i.e. methods/solutions that will prevent unacceptable environmental impacts must be clearly demonstrated. If the mine proposal receives approval, then the mine will be issued with the necessary permits. If and when a mine is developed, government representatives will monitor the operations to ensure compliance with all regulations and permit(s).

Player #2

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Areas of Concern

1. The level of a bond and additional provision for reclamation work per month of operation may be $2.0 million and $100,000/month of operation - if the prospectus (proposal to mine) is accepted.

2. There are major spawning areas for numerous salmon and trout species within the Dean and Bella Coola drainage basins.

3. Numerous grizzly bears, ungulates and other wildlife are prevalent.

4. The mountainous terrain does not allow for optimum placement of a tailings pond.

5. There may be independent studies by public and private companies related to the overall environmental impact assessment.

Player #2


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First Nations

Two First Nations would like to have input into the decision-making process regarding operation of the Tsitsul mine.

1. ThefirstFirstNation’s reserve borders the Tsitsul mine property. They claim that the land to be used by the mine is actually theirs and they have formally laid claim to the land. The First Nation has mixed feelings as to whether the mine should be allowed to open. Some elders do not want the mine to open at all, fearing the following outcomes:

a) Loss of hunting and fishing opportunities due to potential environmental impact and increased activities by machinery and people in the area;

b) The impact of people with other values on their Culture;

c) Broken promises by “white” people who have been untrustworthy in the past.

Other Band members would like to see the Tsitsul Project go ahead, under the following conditions:

a) They are compensated for loss of use of traditional lands.

b) They receive a percentage of gross revenue as royalty, to compensate for mining on their land.

c) Reservation land is totally off limits to mining personnel, unless on official business.

d) A guarantee of 30% First Nation employment and a job training program.

e) Bedford Gold Corp. is to publicly encourage settlement of First Nation land claims.

f) A payroll office should be established on Reserve land, so that First Nation employees will enjoy income tax exemption.

g) Concern must be shown for traditional trap lines and traditional lifestyle.

h) Natives must be allowed regular input on the local Environmental Review Committee.

2. ThesecondFirstNation is totally opposed to the opening of the Mt. Tsitsul mine. They see no benefits for their First Nation at all, and are concerned that the mine will pollute the Bella Coola River that runs into Burke Channel via North Bentinck Arm. They also feel that opening this mine on traditional First Nation land could influence First Nation land claims. They also dispute a portion of the proposed mine site as being part of their traditional lands, not that of the first First Nation.

NOTE: You may wish to reference the Nisga’a Treaty. (See the Appendix for the Nisga’a Treaty website).

Player #3

7 - 8


Local Business

The local Business Associations and the local Chambers of Commerce enthusiastically support the Bedford Gold Corp. mine plan. Traditionally, mines have supported local communities. The Associations have researched the proposal by visiting towns like Kimberley, Barriere, Logan Lake, Campbell River and Port Hardy.

They contend that the community will realize the following benefits:

1. New businesses will be attracted which will cater to the mining operations.

2. Because of the spin-off effect it is estimated that up to 1000 new jobs will be created in secondary industry.

3. Existing business would be more heavily patronized, i.e. hotels, service stations, sports/recreation outlets and stores.

4. Large mines often support the construction of recreation facilities such as skating rinks, swimming pools, park facilities and golf courses.

5. The overall economic well-being of the area will improve, thus eliminating many of the social problems brought on by unemployment and welfare.

6. Overall job skills will be improved.

7. The local Chambers of Commerce would like to remind other interested groups that minerals such as copper and molybdenum are necessary to their way of life.

Player #4


7 - 9


Player #5

Bedford Gold Corp.

President and C.E.O. of Bedford Gold Corp., William McGillvary, has a track record that is the envy of the mining industry. He has been placed in charge of mine sites that have been losing money and within a short period of time has succeeded in turning them around to make significant profits. McGillvary is known for his technical background and ability to make decisions.

In a recent address to the Vancouver Board of Trade, McGillvary gave a brief history of the Mt. Tsitsul project. Here is the context:

He praised the expertise and professionalism of the federal and provincial Agencies that were involved in the impact assessment of the proposed mine. He specifically mentioned the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Department of Environment and BC Environmental Assessment Office. He said that the Bedford Gold Corporation was prepared to meet all standards of reclamation, air emission control and water quality to make the Tsitsul project as environmentally sound as possible.

He noted that in meeting with the First Nations in the area, real progress was being made in addressing their concerns. He announced the construction of a long house to encourage First Nation Cultural activities.

Mr. McGilIvary also noted that the President of the Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in assisting the mining company in completing an overall survey of the communities that will be affected.

On a question from the floor, McGilIvary noted that the Bedford Gold Corp. stock has been extremely active on the TSX Venture Exchange. Geological surveys, interim reports and the initial Prospectus have moved the stock from $15 ¾ to $20 7/8 within six months. However, when the Friends of the Tweedsmuir staged a protest event on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery, there was a $2.50 drop in the value of the stock.

In conclusion, McGillvary said that there would be substantial benefits to the Province and to local communities. His company has already invested $50 million in exploration and feasibility studies and he is willing to work with all interested parties or groups to ensure a profitable and satisfactory mining program that meets all government and community requirements.

Areas of Concern1. Provision of adequate road access to the proposed mine site, originating from the Bella

Coola Highway, and provision of a suitable right of way for installation of hydro power lines to service the mine facilities.

2. Provincial and federal grants to complete a deep sea port at Bella Coola.

3. Who will be employed at the mine?

4. Use of reserve land for administrative purposes.

7 - 10


Local Community

The communities that could possibly be affected by the opening of the Tsitsul mine are: Hagensborg, Anahim, Atnarko, Firvale, Stuie, Williams Lake, Tatla Lake and Bella Coola.

The Community groups represented are Lions, Kiwanis, Organization of Valley Churches, Farmers Institute, Fish and Wildlife clubs, non-status Indians and Municipal Governments.

The Community is generally in favour of opening a mine at the Mt. Tsitsul Site, although there are some concerns.

Areas of Concern

1. Community members must sit on the Environmental Review Committee.

2. Long time residents are concerned that their tranquil way of life may be disrupted.

3. Local governments are sure local businesses will grow sharply. This would attract new residents which would mean more tax revenue. However, they are concerned about the extra development of services, roads, etc. that would be required, and request help from Bedford Gold Corp..

4. Farmers are worried about losing grazing land.

5. Local wildlife organizations are against everything that disrupts natural habitats. However, they are aware of examples of mines near Kamloops and Barriere which are improving existing salmon enhancement programs, local fishing areas and water quality.

6. Local communities want assurance that “spin offs” and secondary industry will be developed in the area. Are these probable at the Tsitsul Mountain Project?

Player #6


7 - 11


International Trade

The Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Provincial Government representative for trade and commerce have been actively pursuing Japanese business interests. These companies are interested in investing in the Tsitsul property and signing contracts for Bedford Gold Corporation copper concentrate, to be sent to the Miki Smelter in Japan.

The government representatives have stated that:

1. Federal and Provincial Ministries responsible for trade and commerce are very interested in the project and the benefits to BC.

2. In order to ship concentrate a deep seaport near Bella Coola would be built with assistance from Provincial and Federal grants.

3. A Japanese consortium is, however, prepared to invest over $100 million dollars in the project.

4. This Japanese consortium is concerned that:

a) Addressing environmental concerns may be too expensive .

b) An educated and stable work force may not be available for employment.

5. The world monetary situation and the strength of the Canadian dollar could have a negative impact the project:

a) High interest rates.

b) Unions demands may be too great.

Player #7

7 - 12


Unions – United Mine Workers and Steel Workers Unions

Although the Bedford Gold Corp. has yet to receive provincial go ahead for the Mt. Tsitsul Project, the United Mine Workers and Steel Workers Unions’ representatives have approached the mining company and the provincial Minister for Employment. It is the intent of the unions to represent and bargain for construction and mine workers at the Tsitsul mine.

Many of the mine workers represented by the two unions have been out of work since the closure of Bedford properties in Kamloops and Prince George. The workers at these properties had been represented by the United Miners and Steel Workers Unions. Operation of the two mines was turbulent at times. However, after a major lay off and restructuring, the miners at the Bedford properties increased production and improved the overall safety record at the mines. The mining company and unions also initiated a self-help program for all mine employees, which became the cornerstone of friendly union/management relations in the province.

Areas of Concern

1. The unions are prepared to be supportive of the project to ensure jobs for its members, but there are rumours that the Bedford Gold Corp. might be prepared to hire a non-union workforce.

2. Wages, benefits, and incentive programs are important negotiable issues.

3. The self-help program received provincial and national recognition but the company is considering dropping the program due to prohibitive cost factors.

4. Health, safety and the environment are paramount concerns of the unions.

5. The collective agreement, including: retraining, manpower, social services, severances and relocation.

Player #8


7 - 13


Environmentalists

The “Friends of the Tweedsmuir” is a not-for-profit society that is concerned with the impact the Bedford Gold Corp.’s Tsitsul mine will have in this area. The society has approximately 55 active members who are attracting support from the local community. The Friends of the Tweedsmuir have recently aligned themselves with some of the larger and more financially sound environmental groups in Vancouver and London.

Areas of Concern

1. Although the deposits are located outside the park, geological mapping indicates high mineral potential under the east flank of Mt. Tsitsul. This is within the border of Tweedsmuir Park. Hikers, tourists, fishermen, hunters and the environmentalists are all opposed to mining within provincial park boundaries.

2. Wildlife International has recently named the grizzly bear habitat in the area as one of the world’s great environmental treasures.

3. The tailings pond may not be adequate to prevent leachate from entering the Bella Coola or Dean River systems.

4. Would improved technology be used to meet provincial air emission standards?

5. Fear that if the mine becomes an underground mine, the exhaust fans could cause noise pollution.

6. Solid proof is required that reclamation of the site be started immediately upon granting of permits for mining to begin. What assurances can the company give that the site plan for reclamation is the most effective? The Friends of the Tweedsmuir observe that some mining companies have shut down operations prior to the initiation of reclamation work.

Player #9

7 - 14


Optional

Your location, personal preference, or industry changes may allow for the addition of another player.

Areas of Concern

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Player #10


8 - 1

Topic Eight - Field Trips

MINING FIELD TRIPSNOTE: Based on the Highland Valley Copper Mine.

A. How to organize a mine field trip1. Phonethemineandexplainthatyouwouldliketobringstudentsonafieldtrip.Specifya

date.Ifyouneedphonenumbersandcontactnames,phone:

MineralsEd (604-682-5477)

2. Phoneabuscompany,explaining:

a) Where you are going;

b) Date;

c) Time;

d) Pick-up and drop-off points.

Make sure you know how many students you will probably be taking so that you know what size busyouwillneed.Thiswilldictatewhatthecostperstudentwillbe.(Phonearoundtolearnwhichbuslinesprovidestudenttripsatreasonableprices.)

3. Prepareyourstudents-itismuchmoremeaningfuliftheyunderstandwhattheywillbelookingat.Millsareoftennoisyanditmaybedifficulttohearyourtourleader.TheResourceUnitprovidesallneededinformation.

4. Make sure you tell the students to bring a notepad/book and that there will be an assignment.Studentsmayalsowanttobringcamerasorvideocameras.Thiscouldbepartofanassignment.

5. Arrangeforcoverageofyourclasses-internalisbetterbecauseit’sfree.

6. Asaveryimportantpublicrelationsexercise:

a) Haveoneortwostudentsthankthetourleader.

b) Writealetterofthankstotheminefororganizingthetour.

B. What you will probably see

1. Mills

a) Conveyerbelts-ballmills -S.A.G.millsb) Flotationchambersc) Dryersd) Computer roome) Shipping

f) Machineshop/repaircentre.

8 - 2

Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Eight - Field Trips

2. Administration:accounting,mapping,computing,research.

3. Pit: Ifpossible,arrangetogointothepitandgetoutofthebusto:

a) Lookattherocksandtrytofindmineralization-thestudentsloveit.

b) Visitthetruckcontrolcentre.

c) Getnearoneoftheloadingshovels.

d) Visitablastareatoseeablastholedrillandthedrillingpattern.

4. Reclamation:It is importanttotrytoarrangetoseeareasbeforeandafterreclamationand,ifpossible,someofthestagesinbetween.

5. Mining equipment display (besidetheadministrationbuildingatHighlandValley):Studentscanclimbontoandaroundthedisplay.Itissuggestedthatyoudothisafter the tour.

C. Post-trip Activities

1. Pick2ofthe4areasofoperationvisitedandexplaininasmuchdetailaspossiblewhathappensateach.

2. Developapostershowingyourconceptofthemine(overallormainaspects)or make a modelofanopenpitmine.

3. Based on your priorknowledgeofmining:

a) Whataspectofminingwasthemostdifferentfromwhatyouexpected?Explain.

b) Whatareasofminingimpressedyoutheleastandwouldyouliketoseechanged?Explain!

c) Whatwereyoumostimpressedwith?Explain!

4. Whatpartoftheminingoperationwouldyou:

a) Mostliketoworkinandwhy?

b) Leastliketoworkinandwhy?

5. Onyourwaytoorfromtheminedidyouseeanyevidenceofmininginthepast?Ifso,describewhatyousaw.

6. HowmightGreenpeaceorWesternCanadaWildernessviewthismine?Explain.

7. Writeanewspaperarticleaboutyourtriptotheminefromthepointofviewofanextremeenvironmentalist.

8. Basedonwhatyouhaveseenoftheirreclamationefforts,doyoufeelthattheminesaredoingenoughtoreclaim?Explain!

If not, whatcanbedone?Consultmembersofthecommunity.


8 - 3

Topic Eight - Field Trips

Additional Field Trip Ideas:

• Suggestedfieldtripideascanbefoundonwww.MineralsEd.ca/s/FieldTripDestinations.asporseeAppendix.

• Sea to Sky GeoTour.FieldtripguideisontheMineralsEdwebsite: www.MineralsEd.caunderTeacherResources.

• Britannia Mine Museum: Phone: 1-800-896-4044Fax: 1-604-896-2260

• ContactMineralsEdforothercontactinformationforanoperationnearyouthatwelcomes school groups.Phone: 604-682-5477


9 - 1

Topic Nine: Vocabulary

EXERCISE #7: VOCABULARY

1. Acid Rock Drainage

2. Adit

3. AeromagneticSurvey

4. Aggregate

5. Ammonium Nitrate

6. Anomaly

7. Assay

8. Assayer

9. Base Metals

10.Bolting

11. Cage

12. Claim

13. Coal

9 - 2

Mining in BC: A Resource UnitTopic Nine - Vocabulary

14.Collectiveagreement

15. Concentrate

16. Decommission

17.Drift

18. Drill Core

19. Dyke

20.DevelopmentTunnel

21. Ecosystem

22.ElectromagneticSurvey

23.EnvironmentalAssessment

Process (EAP)

24.Exploration

25.Explosives

26.Extraction


9 - 3


27.Faulting

Fault

28.Flotation

29. Folding

Fold

30. Frother

31. Gangue

32. Geologist

33. Geology

34. Grade

35. Grizzly

36. Hard Rock

37. Hard Rock Miner

38. Head Frame

9 - 4


39. Hoist

40. Igneous Rocks

41. Leaching

42. Metal

43. Metallurgy

44. Metamorphic Rocks

45. Mill

Rod Mill

Ball Mill

SAGMill

46. Mine

47. Minerals

48.Mineralization

49. Mineral Deposit


9 - 5


50. Mole

51. Muck

MuckSample

52. Ministry of Energy, Mines

and Petroleum Resources

53. Natural resource

54. Non-renewable resource

55. Ore

56. Outcrop

57.Oxidation

58. Precious Metals

59.Prospecting

Prospect

60. ppm

ppb

9 - 6


61. Raise

62.Reclamation

63. Recycle

64. Relief

65.Reserves

66. Rock

67. Room-and-Pillar

68. Royalty

69.ScoopTram

70.Sedimentaryrocks

71.Shaft

72.Sills

73.SiteUniqueness

74.Skip


9 - 7


75.Slurry

76.Smelter

77.Staking

78.Stope

79.Strata

80.Surfacemine

81. Tailings

Tailings ponds

82. Tectonics

83. Tenure

84. Underground mine

85. Waste dump

Waste

86.SpillContingencyPlan

9 - 8


Vocabulary

1. AcidRockDrainage - acidicrun-offwaterfromminewastedumpsandmilltailingspondscontainingsulphideminerals.Alsogroundwaterpumpedtosurfacefrommines.ARDoftenrequirestreatmenttobufferacidityandprecipitatedissolvedmetalsbeforeitcanbereleasedintothenaturalenvironment.

2. Adit - ahorizontaltunneldrivenintothesideofamountainorhillforprovidingaccesstoamineraldeposit.Strictlyspeakinganaditisopentotheatmosphereatoneend.

3. AeromagneticSurvey - amagneticsurveymadewithanairbornemagnetometer.

4. Aggregate - materialssuchassand,gravelandcrushedstoneusedformixinginvarious-sizedfragmentswithcementorbituminousmaterialtoformconcrete,asphalt,etc.;oraloneforroadbaseorrailroadballast;orinmanufacturingprocesses.

5. Ammoniumnitrate - achemicalcommonlyusedfortheblastingprocessinmining.

6. Anomaly - adeviationfromuniformornormalgeophysical,geobotanicalorgeochemicalresponses.

7. Assay - achemicaltestperformedonsamplesofrockororetodeterminetheireconomicmineralormetalcontent.

8. Assayer - personwhochemicallyanalysesrockororetodeterminetheirmineralormetalcontent.

9. BaseMetals - aspecificgroupofnon-preciousmetalswhichincludescopper,lead,zinc,andnickel.

10.Bolting - drillingahole,andinsertingabolttostrengthentheceilingandwallsofanundergroundmine.

11.Cage - theconveyanceusedtotransportmenandequipmentalongtheverticalorinclinedshafts.

12.Claim - aclaimtomineralrightswithinanareaofprescribeddimensions;administrationofclaimsfallsunderthejurisdictionoftheProvincialGovernment.

13.Coal - asedimentary,carbon-rich,combustiblerockformedbycompactionofplantmaterial.


9 - 9


14.CollectiveAgreement - signedbetweenaminingcompanyandarepresentativeunion(s).

15.Concentrate - afine,powderyproductofthemillingprocesscontainingvaluablemetal,andfromwhichmostofthewastematerialintheorehasbeenremovedtobediscardedastailings.

16.Decommission - theactofclosingaminethatisuneconomicandensuringthattheminesiteissafeandenvironmentallystable.

17.Drift - ahorizontalundergroundtunnelthatfollowsaveinororebody(asopposedtoacrosscutwhichcrossestheorebody).

18.DrillCore - asolidcylindricalsampleofrock,usually3–6cmindiameter,producedbydrillingwithspecializeddiamondbits.Usedforgeologicaland/orchemicalanalysis.

19.Dyke - atabularigneousintrusionthatfillsafractureinpre-existingrock,cross-cuttinganyoriginallayering.

20.DevelopmentTunnel - initialextractiontunneldrivenintotheearthatthesiteofapotentialundergroundmine.

21.Ecosystem - acommunityoforganismsfunctioningandinteractingtogetherwiththeirphysicalenvironment.

22.ElectromagneticSurvey - asurveymadewithanelectromagnetometerthatmeasuresalternatingmagneticfieldsassociatedwithcurrentsinthesubsurface;the strengthofwhicharedependentuponthenatureoftherock.

23.EnvironmentalAssessment- theprocessofcomprehensiveassessmentofproposed Process(EAP) minedevelopments.

24.Exploration - prospecting,sampling,mapping,diamonddrillingandotherexploratoryfieldworkinvolvedinsearchingfororedeposits.

25.Explosives - materialsusedtofragmentrockbyblasting.

26.Extraction - removingrockororefromitsoriginalsiteofformation.

27.Faulting - theprocessoffracturinganddisplacementthatproducesadislocationintherock.

9 - 10


Fault - asurfaceorzoneofrockfracturealongwhichtherehasbeendisplacement(fromafewcentimetrestofewkilometresinscale).

28.Flotation - amillingprocessinwhichcertainmineralsinsolutionadheretobubblesandfloattothesurfaceoflargetanks(cells).Other,lessvaluable,mineralssinktothebottom.

29.Folding - bucklingorwarpingoftherockscausedbymovementswithintheEarthcrust.

Fold - warpingorbendingofaplanarstructuresuchasrockstrata,beddingplanes,foliation,etc.

30.Frother - chemicalagentaddedinthefloatationprocesstohelpdevelopbubblesintheslurry.

31.Gangue - theworthlessmineralsassociatedwithvaluablemineralsinanoredeposit.

32.Geologist - ascientistthatusesanintimateknowledgeoftheearthsciencestolocatelikelymineralization.

33.Geology - thescienceconcernedwiththestudyoftheEarthandtherockswhichcomposeit.

34.Grade - assayvaluesofelements,usuallymetals,expressedasapercentageorasgramspertonne.

35.Grizzly - agrate(usuallyconstructedofsteelrails)placedoverthetopofachuteororepass,forthepurposeofstoppinglargepiecesofrockororethatmayhangupinthepass.

36.HardRock - acolloquialtermforigneousandmetamorphicrocks,asdistinguishedfromsedimentaryrocks.

37.HardRockMiner - usuallyworksunderground,drilling,blastingandmucking.

38.HeadFrame - astructureatthetopoftheshaftthatcontainsthehoistthatraisesandlowersthecage.

39.Hoist - themachineusedforraisingandloweringthecageorotherconveyanceinashaft.

40.IgneousRocks - rocksthathavesolidifiedfrommoltenrockcalledmagmaorlava(magmathatreachesthesurface),e.g.granite,basalt,pumice.


9 - 11


41.Leaching - achemicalprocessusedfortheextractionofvaluablemetalsfromore.Itisalso,anaturalprocessbywhichgroundwaterdissolvesmetalsandminerals,thusleavingtherockwithasmallerproportionofsomeofthemineralsthanitoriginallycontained.

42.Metal - elementthathasmetallicpropertiessuchasstrength(great),lustre(highreflection),density(high)andconductivity(high).

43.Metallurgy - thestudyofextractingmetalsfromtheirores.

44.MetamorphicRock - rockswhichhaveundergoneachangeintextureorcompositionastheresultofheatand/orpressure,e.g.gneiss,slate,marble.

45.Mill - aplantwhereoreisprocessedfortherecoveryofvaluableminerals.

RodMill - arotatingsteelcylinderthatusessteelrodsasameanstogrind ore.

BallMill - acylindricallyshapedsteelcontainerfilledwithsteelballsintowhichcrushedoreisfed.Theballmillisrotated,causingtheballstocascade,whichinturngrindstheore.

SAGMill - (semiautogenousgrindingmill)ahugecylinder,filledwithweightedballsandlargechunksoforethatcrushtheoretoapowder.

46.Mine - siteorlocationwhereoreisextracted.

47.Mineral - naturallyoccurringchemicalcompoundwithauniquethreedimensionalcrystallinestructureandchemicalcomposition;componentofrocks.

48.Mineralization - thegeochemicalorphysicalprocessesthatconcentratemineralsintolocalorebodiesinhostrocks.

49.MineralDeposit - amassofnaturallyoccurringminerals,usuallyofeconomicvalue,withoutregardtomodeoforigin.Organicfuelssuchascoalandpetroleum,aresometimescalledmineral deposits.

50.Mole - automatedundergroundpieceofequipmentusedincoalmining-calledacontinuousminerbutoftenreferredtoas a“CM”or“mole”.

9 - 12


51.Muck - theprocessofremovingoreorwasterockthathasbeenbrokenbyblasting.

MuckSample - arepresentativepieceoforethatistakenfromamuckpileandthenassayedtodeterminethegradeofthepile.

52.MinistryofEnergy,Mines - ProvincialMinistryresponsibleforthe andPetroleumResources managementofthemineralandenergyresourcesof

BritishColumbia.

53.NaturalResource - aresourcethatnatureproduces–e.g.fish,trees,copper,gold,coal.

54.Non-Renewable - anaturalresourcethatcannotbereplacedonceitisremoved,asittakesanextremelylongperiodoftimetoform.

55.Ore - amixtureoforemineralsandgangue(worthlessminerals)fromwhichatleastoneofthemineralscanbeextractedataprofit.

56.Outcrop - anexposureofrockthatcanbeseenonsurface,i.e.,thatisnotcoveredbyoverburdenorwater

57.Oxidation - achemicalreactioncausedbyexposuretooxygen,resultinginachangeinthechemicalcompositionofamineral.

58.PreciousMetals - therelativelyscarceandvaluablemetalssuchasgold,silver,andtheplatinumgroupmetals.

59.Prospecting - theprocessoflookingforrockoutcropsandforsignsofmineralization.

Prospect - aminingproperty,thevalueofwhichhasnotyetbeenprovenbyexplorationtobeeconomicallymineable.

60.ppm - partspermillion.

ppb - partsperbillion.

61.Raise - averticalorinclinedopeningfromonelevelofaminethatisdriventowardthelevelabove.

62.Reclamation - activitythatreturnsminesitelandtoausefulstate.

63.Recycle - re-useofmaterialswithouttheextractionofadditionalresources.


9 - 13


64.Relief - theelevationordifferencesinelevationsofalandsurface.

65.Reserves - quantityofmineralcalculatedtoliewithingivenboundaries.Depositthickness,depth,quality,geologicalconditionsandcontemporaryeconomicfactorsarelimitsonreserves.

66.Rock - anaggregateofoneormoreminerals.

67.Room-and-Pillar - asystemofmininginwhichtheoreisminedinroomsseparatedbypillarsleftatregularintervals.Spacingbetweenpillarsisdeterminedbythegeologicalandstructuralconditionsofthesurroundingrock.Sometimesthepillarsareremovedaftertheroomshavebeenbackfilled.

68.Royalty - theamountpaidbyamineralproducertotheowneroftheland(Crownandprivate)ormineralrightsbasedonacertainamountperunitofproducttakenoutoftheland.

69.ScoopTram - mechanizedmachineusedinundergroundminestocollectandtransportmuck.

70.SedimentaryRocks - rocksformedfrommaterialderivedfromotherrocksandlaiddowninlayersattheEarth’ssurface,e.g.limestoneandsandstone.

71.Shaft - averticalexcavationinrockthatprovidesaccesstoanorebody.Itisusuallyequippedwithahoistatthetop,whichlowersandraisesaconveyanceforhandlingworkersandmaterials.

72.Sills - intrusivesheetsofigneousrockofroughlyuniformthicknessthathaveintrudedbetweenthebeddingplanesofexistingrock.

73.SiteUniqueness - everyminesitehasaspecificsetoforeconcentrations,climaticconditions,geology,andmethodsofextractionandreclamation.

74.Skip - asystemformovingmuckandoreinamechanizedbucketfromtheundergroundsitetothemillatthesurface.

75.Slurry - athin,waterymixturecontainingfine,insolublematerials.

76.Smelter - afacilitythatextractsmetalsfromoreconcentrates.

9 - 14


77.Staking - thephysicalprocessbywhichclaimsaredelineated.Thisformsapartofthelegalprocessforclaimingmineralrights.

78.Stope - anundergroundexcavationfromwhichorehasbeenremoved.

79.Strata - layersofsedimentaryrockofvaryingthickness,eachofwhichpossescharacteristicsdifferentfromthelayeraboveandbelow.

80.SurfaceMine - wheretheminingactivityisconductedonsurface,e.g.openpit.

81.Tailings - materialrejectedfromamillaftertherecoverablevaluablemineralshavebeenextracted.

TailingsPonds - alow-lyingdepressionusedtoconfinetailings.Theprimefunctionofwhichistoprovideasafestoragefacilityfortailingsandassociatedwater.Thiswatercanberecycledthroughthemillasprocesswaterortreatedtoremovereagents,ifnecessary,beforedischargeintothereceivingwatershed.

82.Tectonics - theprocessesandproductsoflithosphericplatemovementsthatdeterminethegeologiccharacteristicsofallregionsonEarth;thegradualandrapidchangesthataffectEarth’sstructure,e.g.earthquakes,mountainbuilding.

83.Tenure - thetermsandconditionsuponwhichmineralrightsareassigned.

84.UndergroundMine - aminethatrequiresundergroundexcavationstoremovetheore.

85.Wastedump - anareawherewasterockandoverburdenisplaced.

Waste - rockthathasbeenextractedduringtheminingprocess,butdoesnotcontainahighenoughgradetobeeconomicallyprocessed.

86.SpillContingencyPlan - anorganizedplan,whichtheminehasinplace,torespondtoanunexpectedspill.


Appendix - 1

Appendix

Geoscience and Mining ResourcesVarious pamphlets and posters are available from the following sources.

1. MineralsEd 900-808 West Hastings Street Ph. (604) 682-5477 Vancouver, BC V6C 2X4 Fax. (604) 681-5305 • Web: http://www.MineralsEd.ca/s/ContactUs.asp

2. Natural Resources Canada - Geological Survey of Canada Web: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/home

Maps & Publications: Ph. (604) 666-0271 Fax: (604) 666-1337 Email: [email protected]

Publication Office Ph. (613) 995-4342 601 Booth Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0E8

Natural Resources Canada - Geological Survey of Canada Ph. (604) 666-0529 Suite 101-605 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5J3

Reference Book: Information For Collectors: Books, Videos, Minerals Clubs, Mineral Dealers, Mineral Exhibits, Mineral Shows

If you order this book please include Reference # Cat. No. M40-41/1995 ISBN 0-662-62007-0

3. Mining Association of British Columbia 900-808 West Hastings Street Ph. (604) 681-4321 Vancouver, BC V6C 2X4 Fax. (604) 681-5305 • PricewaterhouseCoopers Report on Mining in BC • Current information on operating mines in BC • Web: www.mining.bc.ca

4. Ministry of Energy and Mines Parliament Buildings Ph. (250) 952-0542 1810 Blanshard Street PO Box 9322 Stn Prov Gov’t Victoria, BC V8W 9N3

• Web:http://www.gov.bc.ca/ener/

Appendix - 2

Mining in BC: A Resource UnitAppendix

5. Association for Mineral Exploration BC 800-899 West Pender St. Ph. (604) 689-5271 Vancouver, BC V6C 3B2 Fax: (604) 681-2363

• Web: www.amebc.ca

6. Coal Association of Canada Public Relations 150 - 205 9th Ave. S.E. Ph. (403) 262-1544 Calgary, AB T2G 0R3

• Coal Kit • Web: www.coal.ca

7. Britannia Mine Museum Box 188 Ph. 1 (800) 896-4044 Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0

• Teacher Information Packages • Mining and Geoscience Activities • Gold Panning and Tours • Gift Shop • Web: http://britanniaminemuseum.ca/

8. Telus World of Science 1455 Quebec Street Ph. (604) 443-7443 Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7 Fax. (604) 682-2923

• Scientists & Innovators in the Schools • Teacher Evenings • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.scienceworld.ca

9. The Northern Miner Ph. (416) 445-6641 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800 Toronto, ON M3C 4J2

• Canadian Mines Handbook • The Northern Miner • Mining Explained • Web: www.northernminer.com


Appendix - 3

Appendix

10. Pacific Museum of the Earth Ph. (604) 822-6992 Earth and Ocean Sciences Building

University of British Columbia 6339 Stores Road Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 • School group visits • Web: www.eos.ubc.ca/resources/museum/index.html

11. Yukon Dan PO Box 18152 Ph. (604) 948-4941

1215C - 56 Street Delta, BC V4L 2M4

• In-class gold panning demonstrations • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.yukondan.com

12. McAbee Fossil Beds Cache Creek, BC Ph. (250) 374-7164 • Students dig the fossil beds and are able to keep their find • Digging season runs from May to October. There is an on-site guide daily from

9:00 - 4:00 during the high season in July/August • Email: [email protected] (Dave Langevin) • Web: www.dll-fossils.com

13. SFU Earth Sciences Lab Simon Fraser University Ph. (778) 782-4925

Burnaby, British Columbia • Contact: Ms. Robbie Dunlop

14. The Exploration Place 333 Becott Place Ph. (250) 562-1612 Prince George, British Columbia (Mailing address: P.O Box 1779, Prince George, B.C. V2L 4V7) • On-site and virtual exhibitions on a variety of topics including Earth Science • Offers Science To Go! Resource packages for rental • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.theexplorationplace.com

Appendix - 4

Mining in BC: A Resource UnitAppendix

15. Rossland Mining Museum and Le Roi Mine Highway Junction 22 and 3B Ph. 1 (888) 448-7444 Rossland, B.C. (Mailing address: P.O. Box 26, Rossland, B.C. V0G 1Y0) • Highlights include the Le Roi mine tour, gold panning and viewing the mineral

samples • tours run May - August • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.rosslandmuseum.ca

16. The Snaza’ist Centre / Mascot Gold Mine Tours 5800 Highway 3 Ph. 1 (888) 799-8733 PO Box 20

Hedley, B.C. V0X 1K0 • Offers Mascot gold mine tour including 200 metre tunnel • Interpretive Centre with visual and audio displays of history of the Mascot Gold

Mine, the Similkameen Valley, and First Nations History. • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mascotmine.com

17. Science North This is a science centre in Sudbury, ON that has online activities for students including

interactive “Groundwork: Exploring for Minerals in Canada” that helps students learn about mineral exploration.

• Web: www.sciencenorth.ca

18. BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) A post-secondary technical school currently offering a two year Mining and Mineral

ExplorationTechnology diploma program. • Web: www.mining.bcit.ca

19. UBC Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering 5th Floor, 6350 Stores Road Ph. (604) 822-2540

University of British Columbia Fax: (604) 822-5599 Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 • Web: www.mining.ubc.ca


Appendix - 5

Appendix

20. ARD • Web: http://technology.infomine.com/enviromine/ard/home.htm

21. Britannia Mine Remediation Project • Web: www.agf.gov.bc.ca/clad/britannia/index.html • Web: www.partnershipsbc.ca/files/project-britannia.html

22. Environmental Assessment Office Web: www.eao.gov.bc.ca Information on: • Environmental Assessment Process • Environmental Assessment Act

22. Environmental Groups: (just a few) Mining Watch Canada: www.miningwatch.ca Sierra Club of Canada: www.sierraclub.ca World Wildlife Fund: www.worldwildlife.org

23. Infomine Web: www.infomine.com Information on: • Markets • Resources • News about Mining

24. Mine Environmental Neutral Drainage (MEND) Program • Web: www.mend-nedem.org/

25. Nisga’a Treaty • Web: www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/nisgaa/default.html

26. PricewaterhouseCoopers (source of: The Mining Industry in British Columbia annual report) • Web: www.pwc.com/ca/en/mining/mining-industry-british-columbia.jhtml


1

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1.

App

le B

ay (S

i, C

y)2.

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nson

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e (L

s)3.

O

rca

(At)

4.

De

Cos

mos

Lag

oon

(Cy)

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ber B

ay (L

s, A

t)6.

G

illie

s B

ay (L

s, A

t)7.

Va

n An

da (L

s)8.

K2

(Bu)

9.

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Cre

ek (A

t)10

. Sec

helt

Min

e (A

t)11

. McN

ab V

alle

y (A

t)12

. Mou

nt M

eage

r (P

m, A

t)13

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Riv

er Q

uarr

y (A

t)14

. Cox

Sta

tion

(At)

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umas

Sha

le (S

h, C

y, S

i)16

. Pav

ilion

Qua

rry

(Ls)

17. D

écor

(Sh)

18. A

shcr

oft (

Bs)

19. R

ed L

ake

(Fr)

20. B

ud (B

n)21

. Har

per R

anch

(Ls)

22. B

use

Lake

(Si)

23. F

alkl

and

(Gy)

24. K

linke

r (O

p)25

. Ket

tle V

alle

y (B

u)26

. Win

ner (

Mw

)27

. Lim

e C

reek

(Ls)

28. C

raw

ford

Bay

(Do)

29. 4

J (G

y)30

. Elk

horn

(Gy)

31. M

ount

Bru

ssilo

f (M

t)32

. Mob

erly

(Si)

33. B

lue

Riv

er (T

a, N

b)34

. Ang

us (S

i)35

. Car

bona

tite

Synd

icat

e (R

E)

36. C

arbo

(RE

)37

. Ale

y (N

b)38

. Pro

venc

her,

Kut

cho,

Cas

siar

(Jd)

39. F

iresi

de (B

a)40

. Non

da (S

i)

010

020

0 Kilo

met

ers

Min

istry

of

Ener

gy a

nd M

ines

Min

istry

of

Fore

sts,

Land

s and

Nat

ural

Res

ourc

e O

pera

tions

BC

Geo

logi

cal S

urve

yw

ww

.em

pr.g

ov.b

c.ca

/geo

logy

At -

Agg

rega

teBa

- Ba

rite

Bn -

Bent

onite

Bs -

Bas

alt

Bu -

Build

ing

Ston

eC

y - C

lay

Do

- Dol

omite

Fr -

Fulle

r's e

arth

Gy

- Gyp

sum

Jd -

Jade

Ls -

Lim

esto

ne

Mt -

Mag

nesi

teM

w -

Min

eral

Woo

lN

b - N

iobi

umO

p - O

pal

Pm -

Pum

ice

RE

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e Ea

rthSh

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ale

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aSy

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yeni

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ntal

um

Coa

l

Min

e

Pro

pose

d M

ine

Sig

nific

ant P

roje

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Met

al

Min

e

Min

e D

evel

opm

ent

Pro

pose

d M

ine

Sig

nific

ant P

roje

ct

Infr

astr

uctu

reR

ail L

ine

Maj

or R

oads

Por

ts

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stria

l Min

eral

sP

rodu

cers

and

Exp

lora

tion

Pro

ject

s*

* Exp

lora

tion

Pro

ject

s

Ope

n Fi

le 2

012

- 1

Ag -

Silv

erAu

- G

old

Cu

- Cop

per

Mo

- Mol

ybde

num

Zn -

Zinc

Met

al M

ine

Com

mod

ity C

odes

Indu

stria

l Min

eral

s C

omm

odity

Cod

es

1011 2 1585 92

This

map

sho

ws

the

coal

, in

dust

rial

min

eral

and

met

al m

ines

, an

d m

ajor

expl

orat

ion

proj

ects

of

Brit

ish

Col

umbi

a th

at w

ere

activ

e in

201

1. S

ome

site

s w

ere

activ

e fo

r on

ly

part

of

2011

. La

rge

expo

rting

ag

greg

ate

prod

ucer

s ar

e sh

own

but

not

the

man

y ag

greg

ate

quar

ries

serv

ing

loca

lm

a rke

ts a

roun

d th

e P

rovi

nce.

Not

all

expl

orat

ion

proj

ects

in t

he P

rovi

nce

are

show

n on

this

map

.

Info

rmat

ion

prov

ided

by

the

Prov

ince

’s r

egio

nal

geol

ogis

ts:

Jim

Brit

ton,

John

Deg

race

, D

ave

Grie

ve,

Pau

l Jag

o, J

eff

Kyb

a, a

nd B

ruce

Nor

thco

te.

Info

rmat

ion

com

pile

d by

Sar

ah M

ered

ith-J

ones

, Pat

Des

jard

ins,

and

Rob

inC

hu o

f the

Brit

ish

Col

umbi

a G

eolo

gica

l Sur

vey.

Not

es

Source: BC Geological Survey, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. For a continually updated version of this map, visit http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geoscience/PublicationsCatalogue/OpenFiles/2012/Pages/2012-1.aspx

4

Mining in BC: A Resource UnitBLMs

Figu

re 3

. Pie

cha

rt s

how

ing

the

rela

tive

valu

es o

f min

eral

pro

ducti

on b

y co

mm

odity

in B

ritis

h Co

lum

bia

for

2011

. Re

f: B

C M

ines

and

Min

eral

Exp

lora

tion

Ove

rvie

w 2

011.

For

up-

to-d

ate

and

hist

oric

al d

ata,

vi

sit h

ttp:

//w

ww

.em

pr.g

ov.b

c.ca

/Min

ing/

Geo

scie

nce/

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icati

onsC

atal

ogue

/Min

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Expl

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onRe

view

/Pag

es/d

efau

lt.as

px


Evaluation - 1

Evaluation

Teacher evaluaTionForms

Evaluation - 2

Mining in BC: A Resource UnitEvaluation

in-service Workshop evaluation

All teachers that receive this Resource Kit are requested to complete this form:

• The first part refers to the In-service Presentation and

• the second is to be completed when the teacher has taught the unit.

This is an extremely important process. We want to make the Resource Unit and the associated In-Service as teacher and learner friendly as possible. Your assistance will help with revisions that will provide new supplements to your kit!

In-service Presentation and Evaluation

Name: __________________________________________________________________

School: __________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Location of Workshop: _____________________________________________________

Grade s and Subjects Taught: ________________________________________________

How can we improve the In-service? Include time, costs, location, materials, concepts, ideas, etc.________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


Evaluation - 3

Evaluation

resource Kit evaluation

Now that you have used your resource unit and kit, please take a few moments and fill out this evaluation form and send it to: MineralsEd 900-808 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2X4

1. Were the units clear in their approach for:

Teachers? _________________________________________________________________

Students? _________________________________________________________________

2. Were the resources adequate?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Were the activities appropriate for the grade and subject?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. How did you evaluate your students on the unit?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

5. Do you have information to share that would further enhance this program?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

School: _____________________________________________________________________

Contact Phone: _____________________ Fax: ______________________________________

Contact Address: ______________________________________________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________________________________________

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 10/11 - MineralsEd · Steve Kellas Technology Diploma Program at BCIT”...

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Transcript of SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 10/11 - MineralsEd · Steve Kellas Technology Diploma Program at BCIT”...