Mining & The Environment: Essential Steps

Protecting the environment requires advance planning and the successful execution of a sound environmental plan that continues through all stages of the Mine Cycle.

• Project Due Diligence and Risk Assessment begins with an in-house review of all information relevant to the project area before starting field programs. This critical step helps companies reduce the risks of land-use conflicts, unproductive efforts and unnecessary costs. It helps them identify projects with the best potential to create shared opportunities with local communities.
• Community Consultation is another essential early step that helps companies earn a “social license” to explore, develop and ultimately operate a mineral project. Companies must consult with Aboriginal communities and other stakeholder on the basis of mutual respect and meaningful participation.
• Environmental Baseline Studies are the foundation of environmental planning for any proposed mine. These detailed studies assess and document the state of the environment encompassing the project area in great detail during the advanced exploration or development stage of the mine cycle. The data are then used to support the environmental assessment and permitting process.
• Environmental Assessments (federal and provincial) are necessary for all major mine proposals and must examine all potential environmental risks and how they can be prevented or otherwise minimized, mitigated or remediated. Social issues are also examined in these detailed and rigorous reports.
• The Permitting Process in BC is a lengthy and open process of government and stakeholder scrutiny applied to all new resource development proposals. Citizens have the right to review and comment publicly on project proposals.
• Operating mines are continually monitored by government agencies to ensure they are in compliance with all environmental standards and regulations.
• Environmental Monitoring begins with early-stage exploration and continues after mining ends. Reclaimed and re-vegetated minesites are continually monitored to ensure that they pose no risks to the surrounding environment.

Individual companies may also negotiate agreements with First Nations communities for certain aspects of their environmental programs and studies. As an example, companies may consult with First Nations on how their traditional knowledge can be integrated into an environmental assessment review.

Companies may help fund the collection of this knowledge but usually must keep the information confidential and return it to the First Nations following the environmental review process.

OPPORTUNITY • TRAINING • RESULTS

Want to make a difference in your life and your community?

BCAMTA can help by connecting you to training and jobs in mineral exploration and mining. Get the skills, training and work experience you need to find a career with the potential to last you a lifetime.