METAL MINING DISCHARGES - IMPACTS AND CONTROL

by Dr. Frances P. Solomon

22 – 24 October 2008 Vancouver Canada

Course Presenters Schedule General information

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 toxicity testing methods, and 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 are provided with an internet url, user name and password. This enables them to access an online e-learning material from EduMine consisting of an introductory course titled "Impacts of Metals on Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Health". These courses provide delegates with important background material which increases their understanding and appreciation of the classroom course. Review of this material prior to the course, including completion of the interactive reviews, enables delegates to derive maximum benefit from the live sessions.

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies for the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies, a continuing education initiative by the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining at the University of British Columbia. Delegates who (1) register for the Certificate in Mining Studies, (2) complete online certification in the required EduMine e-learning modules, (3) attend this course, and (4) complete a take-away project will receive credit towards a Mining Certificate from UBC Continuing Studies. 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.