Summary
This short course will augment the technical skills of the participants regarding all facets of cyanide in its relationship to the environment, humans, and mining. At the same time the course will provide a knowledge base of sufficient depth to aid those at either operations and/or corporate offices in development of sound cyanide management plans and those contemplating participation in the International Cyanide Management Code for Gold Mining Operations.
The course will aid those involved in the permitting, design and operation facets of the mining industry to ask the appropriate questions and to make justifiable and practical decisions. This short course is supplemented by seven online courses as well as an electronic bookstore from which dozens of documents can be purchased related to environmental aspects and metallurgical use of cyanide.
Background
The increased awareness of the environmental implications associated with cyanidation has led to a tremendous increase in the knowledge of chemistry, analysis, toxicity and treatment of its process solutions. These four aspects of the cyanidation process are intimately related, with the treatment of cyanidation solutions forming the visible bridge between the mining operation and the receiving system or environments. There is sufficient detail and depth of expertise, experience and information to begin to quantify the impacts of cyanidation and to provide permanent, reliable and environmentally acceptable solutions to long-standing concerns.
In the year 2000, a release of cyanide from a tailings dam in Romania caused a global reaction and as a result the International Cyanide Management Institute was created along with the first industry-wide Cyanide Code for managing its use at gold mining operations. This two day course provides a background of technical information to supplement those manufacturing, transporting, using, regulating, and researching cyanide not only in the mining industry but also industries such as electroplating.
The chemistry of the cyanidation process is well defined, but its impacts on the characteristics of mine waters and the costs of water treatment have often been underestimated during the initial stages of mine development. Today, however, the mining industry is well aware of the consequences of inadequate environmental management and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the development of state-of-the-art tailings disposal and water treatment systems.
The analysis of cyanidation process waters has evolved from the free cyanide titration with silver nitrate to the speciation of individual metal cyanide complexes in the part per billion range using specialized ion chromatography methods. Although many analytical methods are available, only a few are capable of producing reliable and accurate data. It is necessary to focus upon and improve existing methodology, while appropriately using analytical methods currently in wide usage.
The toxicity of cyanidation solutions is complex, as it involves not only individual compounds, but combinations of compounds which exhibit characteristics much different than any of the individual components. There is now sufficient toxicological information concerning cyanidation process solutions to quantify and calculate acceptable discharge limitations on a site-by-site basis. This approach requires the practical application of both laboratory and field data to provide acceptable levels of environmental protection.
The chemistry, analysis and toxicity of cyanidation process solutions are combined for the development and design of suitable and viable water treatment alternatives. A crucial aspect of this is proper evaluation of mine site water balances and implementation of appropriate water management systems. There are many water treatment alternatives that can be used at mining operations, none of which are applicable in all situations.
Pre-Course e-Learning
Prior to the course, registered delegates have access to the online e-learning material consisting of two introductory courses titled A Global Perspective on Cyanide Use and Management and Cyanide Management in Mining - 1.
Certificate in Mining Studies
This course qualifies for two days of short course credit for the Certificate in Mining Studies (CMS), a continuing education program of accredited short courses, webcasts and online courses for lifelong learning in mining, supported by University of British Columbia and University of Arizona. more details »
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
This course meets the requirements for formal CPD activity for most Canadian provincial associations and US state boards and may contribute the equivalent in hours towards your CPD requirement. more details »
Who Should Attend?
The course will be of particular interest to academics, consultants, agency and regulatory personnel, corporate and operational process and environmental staff, as well as auditors for the new Cyanide Code.
Dr. Terry Mudder Dr. Terry I. Mudder is co-owner of Times Limited a consulting firm located in Sheridan, Wyoming (USA). He was previously employed as Chief Environmental Engineer and Research Chemist at the Homestake Mine and later a partner and corporate consultant with SRK Consulting. Dr. Mudder holds a B.S. and M.S. degree in Chemistry, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering. He has twenty-five years experience in investigation of various aspects of cyanide wastes. He served as an adjunct professor, guest lecturer, and thesis advisor at universities worldwide. He has worked on scores of mining projects, written over eighty papers, and been involved with many short courses on cyanide, acid mine drainage, and closure. As a leading expert on cyanide in mining in the world, he has co-authored many manuals, pamphlets, and books, including the new CD entitled the Cyanide Compendium.
Dr. Mudder has been instrumental in developing and applying novel chemical, physical, and biological treatment processes for which he has received international awards and patents. He has been the member of many national and international scientific organizations and associated professional committees, as well as a manuscript reviewer. He has the Technical Advisor for Mining Environmental Management for nearly a decade for which he has written numerous editorial and opinion articles. He co-created the cyanide information website located at www.cyantists.com.
Dr. Mudder co-sponsored the Dr. Adrian Smith Award given to outstanding individuals for lifetime achievement in environmental stewardship in mining. He has served as technical advisor to aboriginal groups, industry, governments, and NGO's including the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).
Provisional Schedule
This course is divided into two sessions with following topics:
| Time |
Session |
| 08:15am – 08:45am |
Registration and breakfast |
| 08:45am – 10:30am |
Introduction to the course |
| 10:30am – 11:00am |
Break with refreshments |
| 11:00am – 12:30pm |
Chemistry and analysis |
| 12:30pm – 13:30pm |
Lunch provided |
| 13:30pm – 15:00pm |
Toxicological properties |
| 15:00pm – 15:30pm |
Break with refreshments |
| 15:30pm – 16:30pm |
Environmental geochemistry |
| Time |
Session |
| 08:15am – 08:30am |
Breakfast |
| 08:30am – 09:00am |
Questions and answers |
| 09:00am – 10:30am |
Water treatment |
| 10:30am – 11:00am |
Break with refreshments |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm |
Water management |
| 12:00pm – 13:00pm |
Lunch provided |
| 13:00pm – 14:30pm |
The cyanide code |
| 14:30pm – 15:00pm |
Break with refreshments |
| 15:00pm – 16:30pm |
Case studies |
How to Register
Complete and return the registration form by fax: 604 681 4166 or email: edumine-support@infomine.com.
If you have any questions you can contact Sandra Wunsch by phone at +1 604 683 2037.
Fees
The full fee for the two day program is CAD 1,850 + tax. The fee covers tuition, a comprehensive set of course notes, access to EduMine pre-course e-learning, a certificate of attendance, continental breakfast, sandwich lunches and light refreshments. The fee does not cover accommodation.
Early Bird: there is a 10% discount if you register at least 30 days before the course start date.
* A 10% discount is offered for groups of 3 or more OR if you provide your Annual EduMine subscription User ID at time of registration.
* These discounts cannot be combined.
Venue
The course will be held at the UBC Robson Square facility which is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver and only a 5 to 10 minute walk from the recommended hotels shown below.
For more details see: http://robsonsquare.ubc.ca/find-us/.
Hotel Accommodation
If you need to make hotel reservations, we recommend the following hotels. Each hotel is within 5-10min walking distance to the course venue and provides convenient access to transportation and 'Canada Line' rapid transit to/from Vancouver International Airport.
When making reservations make sure to ask for the "InfoMine corporate rate".
- Hotel Le Soleil, named by Resorts & Great Hotels Magazine as "One of the Top 100 Hotels in the World," has been recipient of the American automobile Association's (AAA) 4-Diamond rating since its opening. Hotel Le Soleil differentiates itself with a unique mixture of stylish sophistication and old world elegance. Featuring 119 luxury boutique lodging accommodations it is conveniently located across the street from the InfoMine/EduMine offices. Experience Copper Chimney restaurant's award winning chefs and enter into an exotic world of Indian fusion food.
The Hotel Le Soleil website link is: http://www.hotellesoleil.com
- Delta Vancouver Suites Hotel is an elegant, all-suite hotel located in the Heritage District of downtown Vancouver and within a block of the 'Canada Line' rapid transit. Engage your senses in the Manhattan Restaurant, a typical New York eatery, or at Spencer's Lounge. 24-hour fitness center.
To book your room online with our personal InfoMine corporate rate link go to: http://www.deltahotels.com/imit/inp.
The link to the Delta Vancouver Suites website is: http://www.deltavancouversuites.ca/
- Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver: Make yourself at home in one of the Metropolitan Hotel's 197 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites. Enjoy the Metropolitan's 24-hour Business center; fully-equipped Health Club with indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and squash court; and the Diva at the Met restaurant, a AAA 4-Diamond rated restaurant featuring Vancouver's finest cuisine, celebrated Chef's table, and distinguished wine cellar. The Metropolitan has received a "4 Green Keys" rating through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program.
To book your room online with our personal InfoMine corporate rate link go to: http://private.metropolitan.com/VDZKNSEDL2.
The Metropolitan Hotel's website link is: http://www.metropolitan.com/vanc/
For further information about hotels in Downtown Vancouver, see the following link: http://www.hotels-vancouver.ca/hotels/Downtown
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Short courses earn PDH/CEU credits for engineers in provinces and states that have CPD requirements. EduMine is an approved provider of continuing education by the Authorized Provider Commission of The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
For more details, check provincial or state requirements.
Certificate of Attendance
Provincial/state regulations for CPD require that you attend the entire short course and that you complete an evaluation at the end of the course. Your Certificate of Attendance, with earned PDH, is issued on completion.
Cancellations
A 10% administration fee will be levied for cancellations made up to two weeks prior to the start of the course. Cancellations thereafter will be liable to the loss of the full fee. Notice of cancellation must be given in writing by letter or fax and action will be taken to recover, from the delegates or their employers, that portion of the fee owing at the time of cancellation.
EduMine reserves the right to cancel an advertised course at short notice. It will endeavour to provide participants with as much notice as possible, but will not accept liability for costs incurred by participants or their organisations for the cancellation of travel arrangements and/or accommodation reservations as a result of the course being cancelled or postponed. If a course is cancelled, fees will be refunded in full. EduMine also reserves the right to postpone or make such alterations to the content of a course as may be necessary.