This text is part of the special section Mines and natural resources
We often talk about the influence of the mining sector on the environment. Yet, conversely, climate change also affects mines. From exploration to restoration, there are many issues — and possible solutions must be put in place now.
At the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), a MOOCs free on the subject is available. This online training open to all paints a realistic and current portrait of the climate changes that threaten the mining sector. “In the community, there was a lack of awareness of the impact of climate change on mining operations. Everyone is aware of the problem, but knowledge of the specific issues is very vague,” explains Bruno Bussière, Full Professor at UQAT, Scientific Director of the Institute for Research in Mines and the Environment (IRME) UQAT-Polytechnique and co-creator of MOOCs. The course thus aims to equip workers in the mining circuit, but also NPOs and environmental actors.
Climate-related vulnerabilities
In 2017, a report titled Analysis of risks and vulnerabilities related to climate change for the Quebec mining sectordeveloped at the request of the Ministry of Natural Resources, demonstrated the vulnerability of the tailings management phases, but also of mine restoration, in the face of climate change.
Designed with Thomas Pabst, professor of mining engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, Marie Guittonny, professor at IRME-UQAT and expert in revegetation and restoration of mining sites and Émilie Bresson, specialist in climate science and climate scenarios at Ouranos, the course online open to all (MOOCs, according to its English acronym) addresses the same key points in four hours. In particular, it discusses the influence of climate change on the physical stability of mining waste storage areas and the management of surface water, a major issue that must take into account constantly changing climate forecasts.
“When we talk about climate change, history is no guarantee of the future,” explains Mr. Bussière, who, along with climate researchers, is trying to model the possible extreme events that could occur in 20, 50 or even 100 years to help mines better prepare their water management infrastructure. In the event of a breakage or a spill, these could cause major accidents — Brazil and Western Canada have witnessed this in recent years. “Companies are very sensitive to this issue because it can have significant impacts, both on the environment and on the very value of the company,” says Mr. Bussière.
Mine restoration: avoiding acid mine drainage
At the end of a mine’s life cycle, companies have an obligation to reclaim the vacant land. There, the climatic threat is in terms of days of drought and precipitation, which is likely to increase significantly in the years to come. In certain mining lands, these could modify the water and oxygen flows present in the soil: in doing so, they could in turn cause acid mine drainage, a chemical reaction which forms sulfuric acid and heavy metals in the different layers of the earth.
Again, numerical climate prediction models can help predict climate change for the next 100 or even 150 years. “It is in northern Quebec that climate change is most rapid. Mining companies are working on reviewing their restoration technologies,” says Mr. Bussière. One common problem, he explains, is with the top layer of soil, the one that freezes and thaws with the seasons. Due to global warming, the depth of this layer increases each year, transforming the gaseous component of the soil.
All of this is moving fast, and the mining sector must adapt to prevent long-term problems. “15 years ago, we didn’t even talk about climate change, but for the past 5 years, it’s been one of my big research themes,” says Bruno Bussière. Through their research, the professor and his colleagues hope to bring new ways of doing things that will allow mining operators to better integrate climate change into their design. The objective, therefore, with the MOOCs as with ongoing research projects, is to act now for the future of the industry. “You have to provide them with good tools as soon as possible. Pressing pause, in today’s economy, this is not an option for anyone, ”underlines the professor. For him, it is better to grope your way than to stand still in the face of the threat.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.