The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Submitted by Town of Snow Lake Efforts to find green mining remediation and mine closure alternatives will be getting some needed help soon as the Town of Snow Lake is announcing its support for the establishment of a new research facility, the Research Centre on Mine Closure and Remediation Centre (MCRC). The town is pleased to announce its commitment to the establishment of the Mine Closure and Remediation Research Centre. The town is announcing the donation of the land for the facility. Mayor Clarence Fisher said: 'This centre will advance new remediation technologies that will permanently clean sites instead of the 'cap and treat' presently used and is an integral part of a new and revitalized Snow Lake. We are pleased to see the interest growing and the support from our partners in this initiative which include BacTech Environmental Inc., University of Manitoba, Brandon University, and the Province.' See 'New..' on pg. 6 Continued from pg. 1 This is more than a new chapter in the history of Snow Lake; it is a new chapter in the history of mining itself, one which we hope will transform the traditional resource town paradigm and change how people think of mining. Key to this approach is research into the full life cycle of mining operations, particularly in relation to mine closure and remediation. With four mineral projects currently in development, Snow Lake is on the cusp of a mineral resource boom that will bring a billion dollars of investment to the province. The town is committed to charting a new course in pursuing the opportunities this presents. We are resolved to be no less than a world leader in eco-friendly mining, combining a spirit of ecological stewardship, informed by our traditions and industrial history, with dynamic innovation that draws from the latest scientific research. A review of economic development opportunities identified by the Town of Snow Lake as an ideal site for a world-class research centre for mine closure and remediation based on three key factors: 1) The Snow Lake Greenstone Belt has a unique history with the prolific closure of more than 60 to 100 open pit and underground base and precious metal mines over the last 100 years; 2) BacTech Manitoba is building the world's first remediation bioleach plant in Snow Lake and has committed to funding a Centre of Excellence in Bioleach Remediation; and 3) Snow Lake is centrally located between the Northern Manitoba Academy in Flin Flon and the cold weather testing centre in Thompson. The Town of Snow Lake intends to establish a research centre for mine closure and remediation. The MCRC will serve as a beacon of environmentally sound practices in mining industry and be a base to educate the public about sustainable mining. Building on the globally recognized expertise of miners like Hudbay and Vale and that Snow Lake is in the centre of the world's most prolific Greenstone belts which hosts over 50 former mine sites. Snow Lake will also host the first remediation bioleach facility in the world. MCRC will serve as a professional development centre during the rest of the year. The Remediation Centre is envisaged as a non-profit, charitable and educational organization dedicated to facilitating and conducting research and educational programs in Manitoba. The Remediation Centre will offer logistical, limited laboratory, accommodations, food service, library, maintenance, classroom and technical support to an international clientele. Facilities encompass a centre which is seen as 5,000 square feet and includes a garage and storage buildings. Support research The centre will support innovative research at all levels BSc, MSc, PhD, and commercial professionals, emphasizing practical and applied mineral exploration skills hosted at UCN, Brandon, University of Manitoba and other national and international secondary research institutions. The location should suitably represent the natural beauty of a sustainable mining community. The MCRC will offer opportunities for collaboration with the Cold Weather Testing Centre in Thompson and the Northern Mining Academy in Flin Flon. The Town of Snow Lake is interested in maximizing developments in a sustainable and innovative manner, highlighting an updated vision of a new green mining town that we can all hold up high.
