Summary
This course is part of an EduMine blended learning program that integrates online learning with classroom sessions by industry specialists.
The purpose of this course is to encourage environmentally-sensitive mining practice by educating mining engineers and environmental professionals about impacts of metals on fish, other aquatic species, and human health. A related objective is to promote collaboration between engineers and scientists with respect to prospecting, design, development, permitting, operation, and closure of mines to reduce discharge of metals to the aquatic environment.
This course is an overview of metals and related "semi-metals" (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, gold, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, tin, uranium, and zinc) that are mined or emitted as by-products of mining. We will begin with a description of aquatic ecosystems, and how mining and other human activities discharge metals and acid rock drainage (ARD) to these ecosystems. We will then focus on properties of metals, principles of metal toxicity, exposure pathways, factors affecting metal toxicity, and acute and chronic effects of each metal on aquatic organisms and human health. There will be a discussion of source control and remediation of metal contamination and ARD at mine sites. The course will conclude with a small group exercise in which class participants will present and discuss case studies that illustrate what has been taught.
Background
Environmentally-sensitive mining practice involves designing, constructing, operating, closing, and monitoring mines in a manner that meets the environmental, economic, and social needs of present and future generations. In recent years, there has been increased awareness of the need to extract metals in a more environmentally-sensitive manner than has been the case in the past and increased understanding that preventing the discharge of metals and ARD costs less than cleaning up a polluted site. As knowledge has increased about the toxic impacts of metals that are mined or emitted as by-products of mining, permitting regulations for proposed mines and water quality regulations for protection of aquatic life and human health have become stricter. This course should help mining industry and environmental professionals to perform their work in concordance with 21st century knowledge and requirements while continuing a vital metal extraction industry.
Pre-Course e-Learning
Prior to the course, registered delegates have access to online e-learning material consisting of an introductory course titled Metal Mining Discharges - Impacts and Controls.
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?
My course is for mining industry and environmental professionals including engineers, geologists, chemists, biologists, planners, and regulatory staff in a variety of workplace sectors - mining companies, consulting companies, government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. It would be great to have attendees from a variety of backgrounds, workplaces, and perspectives.
Dr. Frances P. Solomon Dr. Fran Solomon is an environmental biologist with a bachelor's degree in biology and minor in chemistry from the University of Rochester (Rochester, New York), and a Master's degree in environmental health and Ph.D. in fisheries from the University of Washington (Seattle). She has more than 25 years of professional experience in environmental and natural resource agencies and university laboratories, addressing the biological impacts of toxic water pollutants, pollution prevention and control, and protection and restoration of salmon habitat.
Dr. Solomon is passionate about bringing her work experience and knowledge to the classroom. During winter term of 2007, she developed and taught "Impacts of Metals on Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Health" at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She will teach this course again in the fall term of 2007. In summer 2007, Dr. Solomon taught a short version of this course through the UBC Mining Studies Institute. She has also developed and taught environmental science courses at Northwest University in Xi'an, China and University of Washington, Tacoma, and has guest lectured at University of Washington, Seattle and Antioch University, Seattle. She is a Past-President of the American Water Resources Association, Washington Section, and currently serves on the National Board and Seattle chapter Board of the Association for Women in Science. Outside of professional and mentoring activities, she is an enthusiastic hiker, bicyclist, and international traveler.
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 1,550 + tax. The fee covers tuition, a comprehensive set of course notes, access to EduMine pre-course e-learning, a certificate of attendance, catered breakfast and lunches incl. 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 InfoMine Inc, Vancouver, Canada, Suite 640 – 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC. Detailed arrival instructions, including a map, will be sent to all participants 10-14 days prior to the commencement of the course.
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.