Mine Sustainability Report 2008-2009

Mine Sustainability Report 2008-2009
Contact Information:
Musselwhite Mine
Box 7500
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6S8
Canada
Gil Lawson
Mine General Manager
Adele Faubert
Manager of Aboriginal Affairs
Table of Contents
Mine General Manager’s Introduction..............................1
2009 Year in Review............................................................2
Environmental Assessments..............................................2
What is Sustainability.........................................................2
Musselwhite First Nations Partnerships...........................2
Our Business.......................................................................5
Exploration..................................................................5
Mining..........................................................................6
Mill Department..........................................................7
International Cyanide Management Code.................9
Energy Use.................................................................10
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.......................................10
Safety..........................................................................11
Emergency Response.................................................12
Environmental Stewardship.............................................13
Wildlife Management................................................14
Waste Management...................................................15
Spill Management......................................................16
Groundwater Monitoring..........................................16
Cycle 2 Environmental Effects Monitoring
(EEM) Study...............................................................17
Reclamation Planning...............................................18
Regional Water Quality Graphs........................................19
Mine General Manager’s Introduction
The Musselwhite Mine is an underground operation owned by Goldcorp which started
commercial production in 1997 and has produced over 2.85 million ounces of gold. It is targeting
to produce over two hundred and fifty thousand ounces of gold annually.
Gil Lawson
Mine General Manager
Musselwhite Mine is located on traditional First Nations land, and Musselwhite’s relationships
and agreements with the First Nations have been recognized as best practice throughout the
mining industry. In 2001 the mine established an innovative agreement with the First Nation
people which provides for a range of education, training, employment and business related
services for local communities. The Signatories to the Agreement are the First Nations of North
Caribou Lake, Cat Lake, Kingfisher Lake and Wunnumin Lake, and also Shibogama First Nations
Council and Windigo First Nations Council. In 2007, the First Nation Leadership of the Signatory
Communities endorsed the 2006 Musselwhite Agreement which replaced the 2001 Musselwhite
Agreement.
Under the Musselwhite Agreement, the mine provides funding to the First Nations through revenue sharing,
implementation and environmental funding. The funds are allocated at the discretion of the First Nations with the
implementation funding allocated for specific purposes listed in the agreement and environmental funding allocated for
supporting independent assessments of the mine’s influence on the surrounding environment.
The Sustainability Department is actively working with representatives of the First Nations to continue the consultation
process with regards to projects of interest to the First Nations. Community engagement on these projects was undertaken
in 2009 and construction commenced for a fresh air raise out on the esker, the installation of additional diesel generator
power, a pump back system to return groundwater seepage to the tailing dam, and installation of a thickener to allow
expansion of the tailing capacity. Other significant projects undertaken were the construction of a solar wall to use energy
from the sun to heat the maintenance building, re-submittal of the Mine Closure Plan, and achieving a passing audit of
the International Cyanide Management Code. In 2009, Musselwhite worked with First Nations and Government so that a
transmission line upgrade between Nipigon and Pickle Lake entered the planning stage. This project will have significant
positive implications in the region if constructed.
The mine implemented the Partnership Agreement with Sioux Hudson Literacy Centre and the First Nation Councils
of Windigo and Shibogama for an onsite Learning Centre at Musselwhite Mine and within each of the Signatory
Communities. E-Learning is being used with live instructors to deliver upgrading of essential skills and academic upgrading
for adult learners in the communities and for workers at the mine. The first year of this program was a tremendous success
with participation exceeding initial targets.
During 2009, exploration continued to successfully increase resources and the mine was able to replace its annual
production once again. Musselwhite has been successful at this over the years and today still has 2 million ounces of gold
in reserves, a mine life of 9 years and excellent potential to keep extending these reserves and the mine life in the future.
During 2009 there were a number of operational challenges including rising costs, a failure of the underground conveyor
system, and poor ground conditions. During the year several initiatives were put in place to successfully mitigate these
issues, and the mine was able to achieve close to budget for the year.
In 2010 we look forward to continuing with our focus on 6 main areas of growth. We will continue to Grow People, Safety,
Partnerships, Margins, Reserves and Production. The mine is exploring to ensure confidence to make key investment
decisions to ensure the infrastructure is in place for the next ten years. Musselwhite is a place where “People Make It
Happen” and we can look forward to a Golden future.
1
2009 Year in Review
The year 2009 brought about many changes to Musselwhite Mine. The following are some of the highlights
from the past year:
• The new cafeteria was commissioned
• Musselwhite Mine became the first mine in Canada to be certified in the International Cyanide
Management Code
• A solar wall was installed on the shop/warehouse, which will reduce heating costs for the building
• Groundwater Interception wells were installed to return groundwater seepage to the tailings pond.
Construction of a new air ventilation system (fresh air raise) began in 2009. This system will increase
the supply of clean air to the underground mine
• Despite a failure of the conveyor, production for the year was successful
The year 2009 was successful in many areas and we will continue to grow through 2010.
Environmental
Assessments
site. The EA document was circulated for public review and
comment with the Notice of Completion filed in April 2010.
It has been determined that the 5 MW of power being
supplied by the onsite generators is insufficient for the long
term electrical needs of the mine, therefore an Individual
Environmental Assessment (IEA) was initiated to assess
the environmental effects of an additional 15 MW of diesel
generation. The IEA was at the public review phase at the
writing of this document. Should additional grid power
become available through Hydro One constructing their
enabler line from Nipigon to Pickle Lake the additional
onsite diesel generation will not be required.
For a number of years Musselwhite Mine has been
investigating various options to increase electrical energy
at the site. Since Musselwhite Mine has been unable to
secure additional power, on schedule, from the provincial
power grid, short term and intermediate plans to increase
electrical energy have been identified for subsequent
implementation. With 5MW of onsite diesel generation
and the installation of a STATCOM electrical device at the
mine’s Pickle Lake Switch Station, sufficient power would be
provided for the short term. The electrical energy is required
to maintain existing production rates while maintaining
safe working conditions underground by providing power to
increase underground ventilation.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability acknowledges that environmental,
economical and social factors are linked and that all three
must be considered in the decision making process to
ensure a successful future. A requirement of sustainability
is to determine our current needs without jeopardizing the
ability of future generations to meet their needs.
A Notice of Commencement provided information
to the public that a screening level Environmental
Assessment (EA) was underway to determine the potential
environmental effects of the installation and operation of
diesel generators up to 5MW. Upon completion of the study,
an Environmental Screening Report was circulated for
public review and comment. A Notice of Completion was
filed and distributed in October 2009.
Musselwhite First
Nations Partnerships
The STATCOM Environmental Assessment (EA) includes
the installation of additional electrical equipment to
stabilize line losses from the EIC transmission line through
to Musselwhite Mine, along with a substation at the mine’s
esker area and a short transmission line back to the main
The Sustainability of the mining industry is based on its
ability to develop and maintain good working relationships
with the First Nations and other stakeholders in the area.
Musselwhite Mine personnel have worked extensively to
2
Diamond Drill tour with local First Nations
develop and cultivate a relationship with the First Nations
in the area during the planning stages of the mine and since
the operation went into production.
gain knowledge of the complex environmental issues the
site manages. They also contribute to the recommendations
made in the decision process regarding topics potentially
affecting their interests. The First Nation committee
members utilize a biological consultant to attend meetings
and review technical documentation on their behalf. The
ongoing consultation process specified in the Musselwhite
Agreement is advantageous to the mine when applying for
government permits. Government permits applications
now require proof of public consultation which is
automatically initiated in the planning stages of any project
at Musselwhite Mine.
The Signatories under the 2001 Musselwhite Agreement
are the four First Nations of North Caribou Lake, Cat Lake,
Kingfisher Lake and Wunnumin Lake. Shibogama First
Nations Council and Windigo First Nations Council are also
Signatories to the Musselwhite Agreement. Additionally,
there are Affiliate communities to the Agreement which
include three other First Nations under the Shibogama
First Nations Council and five other First Nations under the
Windigo First Nations Council.
The Musselwhite Working Committee focuses on increasing
First Nation employment numbers at the mine site,
economic development opportunities and resolving
issues that may arise during the Environmental Working
Committee meetings.
Communication is an integral component of maintaining
partnerships with the local First Nations. Therefore,
within the Musselwhite Agreement, three committees are
structured to manage the communication process between
Musselwhite Mine and the First Nations. The Musselwhite
Coordinators from the two First Nation Councils,
Implementation Officers from each community, elders from
the communities and Pipestone Environmental Lands and
Resources Monitoring Secretariat are involved in all the
committees.
The Implementation Committee is a dispute resolution
committee for the Environmental and Working
Committees. This committee also monitors the overall
implementation and review of the Musselwhite Agreement.
Under the Musselwhite Agreement, the mine provides
funding to the First Nations by means of Revenue Sharing,
Implementation and Environmental Funding.
The Environmental Working Committee includes First
Nation representatives and other resource personnel who
3
The funds are allocated at the discretion of the First
Nations leadership with the implementation funds having
a specific purpose under the Agreement and environmental
funds for supporting independent assessments of the
mine’s influence on the surrounding environment. Prior to
the 2001 Musselwhite Agreement, contributions were given
to the First Nations based on requests from the individual
communities. Other funds going back into the First Nations
communities are through business development and
salaries of employees living in the various communities. The
graph below depicts the funds going to the First Nations,
under the Agreement, since 1998.
as effluent. This water was used during the mining process
either underground as dust suppressant or in the mill. The
Opening Ceremony is held in the late spring to bless the
water and offer prayers for a successful discharge season.
At the end of the season a Closing Ceremony is held, to
give thanks for a successful discharge season in which the
mine met its permit requirements with minimal impact
on the natural environment. First Nation community
representatives including Clergy, Council members, Elders
and Youth, come to the mine to take part in the ceremonies.
2009 Opening Ceremonies
Musselwhite Agreement
Funding Allocations
Musselwhite Mine is a multicultural work place with
many diverse backgrounds in all areas of the mine site.
This diversity can make for misunderstandings that may
be attributed to these cultural differences. Therefore,
a working group was organized to provide examples of
misunderstandings, and with the assistance of a facilitator,
a Cultural Diversity Awareness Program was developed.
The program is mandatory for all employees to attend,
which will provide them with tools to recognize cultural
differences and to allow for the development of a better
working environment, “Where People Make It Happen”.
In respecting the natural environment and the First
Nation’s traditional territory, ceremonies are held based
on the mine’s planned release of treated water, referred to
Top: Prayers to bless the water
Bottom: Observing the first flow of the season
4
Our Business
Exploration
Continuing our commitment to the local communities
the Exploration team is an active employer of community
members. Exploration provides employment through
activities such as core cutting, field support and
environmental liaison during surface exploration drill
programs.
The Exploration team at Musselwhite Mine had another
successful year in 2009, replacing the mined reserves
and extending the life of the operation. Underground
drilling saw the extension of the PQ Deeps, S1, S2, Moose
and 657IF zones, while surface drilling on the west limb
encountered favourable rock types and cross cut structures
consistent with known mineralization.
Musselwhite orebodies under
Opapimiskan Lake projected to surface
5
Mining
Challenges
The mining method at Musselwhite Mine is primarily Avoca
and modified-Avoca stoping, with unconsolidated rock fill.
In 2009, a narrow vein longhole method was successfully
trialed – alimak stoping. Historically, the mine has also
used a transverse longhole method using cemented rock fill,
and this is discontinued due to narrower mining widths.
It is anticipated that transverse mining will be used again
in the wider sections of the PQ Deeps in future years. All
mine development is undertaken with jumbo drilling and
mechanized bolting.
The mine ventilation system is being upgraded in 2009
and it is anticipated to be completed for early 2010. A
new ventilation shaft and ventilation fan housing is being
constructed at the northernmost section of the ore body to
set up for the next ten years of mining.
The mine continued expansion of the trucking fleet to
accommodate higher mining rates in development, longer
truck cycles due to increasing depth and a growth of
production in future years. Also, the replacement of the
original service mobile fleet was started in 2009 and full
change out of the fleet will be complete for 2010.
A total of 1,285,005 tonnes of ore at a grade of 6.0 grams
per tonne were mined at Musselwhite in 2009. The table
below shows the production summary for 2008 and 2009.
The mine experienced increased ground control challenges
in 2009, causing changes in design sequencing, and
especially an increase in ground support for long term
stability. The mining of the PQ deeps commenced in 2009,
with a strategy to create a stress shadow by mining out the
A block first, thereby reducing the effects of stresses for the
B, C and D blocks in future years.
2008 and 2009 Mine Production Summary
2008
2009
Ore Mined (tonnes)
1,231,794
1,285,005
Backfill (tonnes)
744,815
903,256
Total Material Moved (tonnes)
1,976,609
2,188,261
Development (metres)
7,558
10,108
Production Drilling (metres)
163,387
215,005
Production Blasting (tonnes)
854,433
877,009
Gold Produced (ounces)
210,612
234,817
Engineering projects in progress include upgrading or
increasing the pumping capacity of the existing dewatering
systems and energy management projects. The mine is also
studying various options for long term material handling,
including a new shaft, conveyor extension or an increased
truck haulage fleet to set up for the next ten years of
mining.
2009 Production
The mine installed diesel generators to offset growing
energy needs and is working with various government
agencies to identify a means to re-enforce the regional
transmission system to meet the energy demands forecast
for the future.
6
Mill Department
Ore which is broken rock containing gold is mined underground and moved to the mill by conveyors or rock trucks. There
are four main processes in the mill which include; (1) crushing and grinding; (2) gold leaching, recovery and refining; (3)
cyanide recovery and destruction, (4) and tailings management area.
Conveyor moves ore from underground to surface
Rod mill and ball mill turning
7
1. Crushing and Grinding
This treatment method is also a critical component of
maintaining compliance to the International Cyanide
Management Code (discussed later in this report). The
target is to have the cyanide in the tailings going to the
TMA at a concentration less than 2 mg/L. Musselwhite
Mine has a much lower limit, in comparison to the
provincial standard, for total cyanide (0.4 mg/L) in
the effluent as the mine addressed concerns raised by
First Nation communities living adjacent to waterways
downstream of the mine.
When the ore arrives at the mill it is first crushed to about
16 mm, (size of a dime) using 2 crushers (containing steel
rods and steel balls). The crushed ore is then ground to a
very fine powder using steel rods and balls in the presence
of water.
2. Gold Leaching, Recovery and Refining
Sodium cyanide is the standard chemical used to extract
gold from the finely ground ore. This chemical is used by
gold mines all over the world. Sodium cyanide and lime is
added and mixed with the finely ground ore in the muddy
water (slurry) in four large tanks (Leach Tanks). Lime is
added to control the potential for gases to form when water
is mixed with cyanide. In the presence of the reagents the
gold in the ore dissolves into the slurry solution in these
tanks. Charcoal (activated carbon) which is made from the
shells of coconuts is added to the slurry to collect the gold.
The activated carbon that has collected the gold is separated
from the slurry, using screens. The carbon containing the
gold is put into a strong steel tank and hot caustic water is
used to re-dissolve the gold.
4. Tailings Management
Once the tailings are pumped to the tailings storage area the
solids settle out of the muddy water. Clear water is pumped
back to the mill for re-use in the grinding circuit. The mill
operates on 80 – 85% recycled water. The remaining cyanide
found in solution is significantly broken down by natural
processes such as sunlight (UV). In the beginning of each
summer, excess water is pumped to the Polishing Pond and
then allowed to drain naturally through a wetland for final
polishing prior to release to the environment. In 2009,
construction of a tailings thickener began. This addition
to the current milling process will allow for an increased
life span of the current TMA. The thickener will reduce the
water content in the tailings to approximately 74% solids
to allow for stacking/mounding of the dry tailings at angles
between 2% - 5%.
The liquid mixture (solution) containing gold is put into
three steel tanks (electrowinning) located in the refinery
and electricity is passed through the gold solution.
Electricity passing through the solution makes the gold
drop to the bottom of the tanks. The gold particles are
removed once a week and mixed with some reagents (silica
sand, borax, and sodium nitrite) before it is heated in a
furnace until melting at about 1000 degree Celsius. The
liquid gold is then removed from the furnace and poured
into a bar shaped mold. The gold bars are shipped to a
specialized refinery in Toronto for additional processing.
3. Cyanide Recovery and Destruction
Tailings slurry is the material at the end of the mill when
most of the gold (95%) has been removed. The tailings
are washed with recycled water from the tailings basin to
recover cyanide for re-use. The mill is designed to recover
and re-use approximately 25% of the original sodium
cyanide added earlier in the process. Prior to releasing the
tailings slurry to the tailings management area (TMA),
any remaining cyanide in the slurry is passed through a
large tank containing reagents (copper sulphate, sulphur
dioxide and air) to destroy most of the remaining cyanide.
8
International Cyanide Management Code
3. Protect workers and the environment during cyanide
handling and storage
In 2007 Goldcorp Inc. voluntarily became a signatory to
the International Cyanide Management Code. The Code
was developed under the guidance of the United Nations
Environment Program with the goal of safeguarding human
health and the environment by promoting responsible
management of cyanide used in gold mining. Goldcorp Inc.
challenged all its mines to achieve certification under the
code, which is a world renowned designation in the gold
mining industry.
4. Manage cyanide process solutions and waste streams to
protect human health and the environment
5. Protect communities and the environment from
cyanide through development & implementation of
decommissioning plans
6. Protect worker health and safety from exposure to
cyanide
7. Protect communities and the environment through
the development of emergency response strategies and
capabilities
In 2008 Musselwhite Mine began the process to become a
certified member of the International Cyanide Management
Code (ICMC). This process involved a significant amount
of collaboration and coordination, between the various
departments, (warehouse, maintenance, mill, safety and
training and sustainability) to meet the 9 Standards of
Practice found within the ICMC.
8. Train workers and emergency response personnel to
manage cyanide in a safe and environmentally protective
manner
9. Engage in public consultation and disclosure
The following are the 9 ICMC principles that Musselwhite
had to comply with to become certified;
The initial audit (gap analysis) took place in July 2008.
This audit provided Musselwhite with a baseline of where
the operation was in relation to ICMC requirements.
The final audit occurred in September 2009. Although it
was a rigorous process, the Musselwhite Team made it
happen! On February 1, 2010 Musselwhite Mine achieved
full certification, which is the first mine in Canada to be
certified.
1. Encourage responsible manufacturing by only using
cyanide produced in a safe and environmentally
protective manner
2. Protect communities and the environment during
cyanide transportation
9
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use from Petroleum Fuels
(2001-2009)
Conservative energy use continues to be very important
to the Sustainability of Musselwhite Mine. Energy
requirements for essential services of the mine like
ventilation and ore movement have continued to increase
as a result of underground mining advancement and mine
expansion. Moreover, the price of electricity and petroleum
fuels have steadily increased resulting in higher costs to
operate the mine.
Therefore, it is critical for the mine to continue exploring
options on energy conservation. Over the past couple of
years, the mine has taken conservation steps to minimize
energy costs which include the installation of automatic
fan controls, switching to more efficient lighting, and
the introduction of a vehicle idling policy which involves
turning off equipment when it does not need to run.
Musselwhite is also looking for future opportunities to reuse heat from air compressors to help cut down on propane
use for heating as well as the installation of a solar heating
wall (discussed in the next section).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Efforts towards conservative energy use will help to reduce
the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from
the operation of Musselwhite Mine. GHGs are gases that
trap heat in the atmosphere. GHG emissions are released
from the combustion of petroleum fuels at the mine and
coal or natural gas at power plants that feed electricity
to the mine through the regional electrical transmission
grid. Specifically, these gases include carbon dioxide (CO2)
methane, nitrous oxides and fluorinated gases. Provincial
and federal governments continue to advance legislation in
an effort to lower the potential for global climate change,
which has been linked to GHG emissions.
Due to the recent progress in further advancement in the
mine life, it should be noted that the energy usage has
increased over the past years. The following graphs show
annual energy use from 2001 to 2009.
Annual Energy Use from Petroleum Fuels
(2001-2009)
The following graph shows GHG emissions (in CO2
equivalent mass) produced annually in the operation of
Musselwhite Mine from 2001 to 2009.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(2001-2009)
10
Solar Collector
Safety
In 2008, Musselwhite applied for federal and provincial
government grants to explore the option of installing
a solar heating wall to supplement heating in the shop
and warehouse building. This would minimize propane
usage, lowering operating costs and reduce GHG
emissions. This project was approved and the installation
and commissioning of the solar wall is scheduled to be
completed in 2010. Preliminary calculations indicate that
the SolarWall® is designed to save approximately 2019
Gigajoules per year or 560 MWhrs per year of electrical
energy. Additionally, preliminary estimates indicate that
this system will eliminate approximately 182 tonnes of CO2
from being released to the atmosphere in a 1 year period
while heating the shop and warehouse building during the
winter season.
Safety is of the utmost importance at Musselwhite Mine.
Our employees are encouraged to practice safe work habits
so our facility is “Safe enough for our families”. Our goal
is to work in an accident free environment, where fellow
coworkers watch out for each other’s safety.
A proactive approach to reporting hazards has been
implemented. Employees are encouraged to look for and
report hazardous situations in the workplace so these safety
concerns can be immediately rectified. Safety incentive
programs have been implemented to encourage employees
to keep safety on their minds at all times. At the end of our
rotation, we all want to return home to our families.
Goldcorp Inc. developed a corporate Safety Logo, adopted
by all the operations, to inspire workers to Care, Think and
Act with regards to our safety and that of our coworkers.
Anti-Idling Policy
In 2008, Musselwhite Mine developed an anti-idling policy
which limits the amount of time a vehicle can be idling for
a specified temperature. The premise for this policy is to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the cost for fuel,
reduce unnecessary wear on engines and to protect human
health. The policy applies to all equipment on the mine site.
This policy has also been adopted by other Goldcorp Canada
Ltd. operations.
Anti–Idling Policy sign with thermometer
11
Underground Mine Rescue Training Session
Emergency Response
The following graph outlines the total injuries for the years
2008 and 2009.
Musselwhite Mine has response measures in place in the
event of an emergency on site. There are two response
teams in place that respond to such emergencies: the
Emergency Response Team (ERT), who respond to surface
emergencies and the Mine Rescue Team, who respond
to underground emergencies. Members of these teams
undergo intensive training regimes to become certified and
continue with regular training sessions to hone their skills.
Musselwhite Total Injuries
2008-2009
12
Environmental Stewardship
Musselwhite Mine’s management team and employees
continue to embrace environmental stewardship and
improve environmental performance at the mine site.
With the continued underground advancement and
tailings management improvements scheduled to occur
over the next few years, Musselwhite Mine continued its
development in 2009 with numerous projects in various
stages of planning, construction, implementation or
monitoring which will be expanded upon later in this
document.
A key parameter that requires close attention is ammonia.
Ammonia is found in these waters as a byproduct of the
milling process and the blasting that occurs underground.
With a set government limit of 10 mg/L, ammonia is
measured on a daily basis at Musselwhite Mine to ensure
the water does not exceed this limit. The wetland, which has
been referred to as nature’s kidneys, does an effective job in
capturing nutrients in the form of ammonia prior to release
to the environment. Not only is the wetland effective
on treating excess nutrients, it also does an efficient job
removing other parameters such as residual metals and
cyanide which are also byproducts of the milling process.
The following chart displays the removal rates of ammonia
for 2008 & 2009 in a comparative analysis before and after
the wetland treatment.
The wetland treatment system at Musselwhite Mine is an
integral part of the overall surface water treatment system
at the mine. The wetland receives water from the tailings
pond and water that is removed from the underground
workings. Due to the chemical agents required for capturing
gold and the activities needed to obtain rock (ore) from
underground, the water requires treatment prior to being
released into the environment.
Treatment Wetland Ammonia
Removal Rates for 2008
Treatment Wetland
Treatment Wetland Ammonia
Removal Rates for 2009
Final Compliance Point
The results of surface water quality monitoring collected
from water bodies near the First Nations of Wunnumin
Lake and Kingfisher Lake are again shown graphically on
pages 19 - 22. The graphs contain data from pre-mining
conditions until the last sample set of 2009. The data
indicates there is no measurable change in the water quality
from pre-mining conditions. The parameters indicated in
the graphs are compared to their Provincial Water Quality
13
Objective (PWQO) as set by the provincial regulators for
the protection of aquatic life. Each parameter is well below
the PWQO, and will therefore not cause any adverse effects.
The following programs are key components of
Musselwhite Mine’s Environmental Management System:
Wildlife Management, Waste Management, and Spill
Response. Current planning is ongoing to integrate
environmental protection into all aspects of mining and
to promote a high level of environmental stewardship.
The Sustainability Department at Musselwhite Mine is
currently preparing a comprehensive Environmental
Management System to align with ISO 14000 standards
which will further assist in preventing environmental
impacts of the surrounding ecosystem. To further
compliment this endeavour, all employees, contractors
and visitors undergo an Environmental Induction when
arriving to the site. These inductions promote awareness
and responsibility/ownership for environmental
protection.
Wildlife Management
Musselwhite Mine is situated in the heart of the Boreal
Forest which is home to many significant biological
resources. Therefore, sustainability at Musselwhite
requires that resources found in the vicinity of the mine
are adequately managed and protected. In order to convey
these commitments, a Fish & Wildlife Management Plan
was implemented to ensure protection of these resources.
Special provisions have been added to the plan to recognize
and protect Species at Risk found in Musselwhite’s
geographic region. These Species at Risk include woodland
caribou, bald eagle, golden eagle and lake sturgeon.
Musselwhite Mine is committed to ensuring that all our
employees and contractors enjoy their stay at work and
return home safely to their loved ones. During the summer
months, a recreational activity enjoyed by many is fishing.
In order to maintain this privilege at Musselwhite Mine,
a few guidelines have been developed to reduce impacts
to the fisheries in the area and to ensure that the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources fishing regulations are
followed which does include catch and release fishing in
specific areas.
Being in the Boreal Forest, it is common to observe local
wildlife within the vicinity of the mine site. Animals such
as bears, wolves, fox and the occasional moose have been
spotted near the site. Therefore, an important component
of the management plan is mandatory reporting of any
Bald Eagle Nest on Opapimiskan Lake
14
wildlife mortalities. This is a provision of the International
Cyanide Management Code which further compliments the
intent of the Wildlife Management Plan. In the event of
mortality, site personnel are to contact the Sustainability
Department to assess the animal and attempt to determine
the cause of the mortality. If deemed necessary, the animal
may be shipped off site for further assessment. Respect
for the wildlife is fundamental in ensuring the safety of
personnel onsite by adequately managing activities around
the site and conforming to the waste management plan.
Hazardous Waste Management is essential to ensure the
handling of hazardous wastes generated by the operation
complies with the requirements of applicable regulations.
The mine utilizes a storage building for the storage of
hazardous waste materials prior to them being sent off site
for disposal. All employees must properly store and label all
materials being brought to the hazardous waste building.
Domestic waste and non hazardous industrial waste
is deposited and buried in a government approved
landfill which is located within the tailings management
area. Burnable materials (wood debris, cardboard) get
transported to a burning area and are reduced to ashes.
This stresses the importance of proper waste segregation at
Musselwhite. Musselwhite is also committed to recycling
some of its materials. Materials collected and sent for recycling include; paper, batteries, pop cans, waste oils, scrap
metals and vent tubing.
Waste Management
Everyone working at Musselwhite must embrace the Waste
Management Plan for all wastes generated on site. All new
people arriving at the mine are given an environmental
induction which includes a detailed summary of the waste
management plans. The current plan follows a colour
coded Waste Segregation System to manage the various
waste streams. Proper segregation and disposal of wastes
generated onsite minimizes the potential for unwanted
interactions between people and wildlife and makes for
a more proficient means of managing the various types
of waste. All departments are responsible for the proper
recycling and correct disposal methods of wastes.
15
Spill Management
Groundwater Monitoring
Health, Safety and Environmental protection is paramount
for sustainable operations at Musselwhite Mine. To assist
in facilitating this, the mine has developed a comprehensive
Spill Prevention, Contingency and Response (SPCR) Plan
with the intent to prevent spills from occurring, and to
perform safe, efficient and timely responses in the event
of a spill or leak. All types of releases require expeditious
response procedures, which include notification of key
personnel (internal and external), control, clean up and
documentation of the details of the incident. Depending on
the type of spill, environmental sampling (i.e., the collection
of water, air or soil) will be carried out immediately and
a follow up sampling program established. All regulatory
requirements will be followed should the release enter
natural water courses.
Musselwhite Mine has been conducting groundwater
monitoring since 1995 (pre-mining). In 2008 Musselwhite
contracted Schlumberger Water Services (formerly Water
Management Consultants) to develop a computerized
model of the groundwater activity adjacent the tailings
impoundment area to predict the direction of flow and
concentration of elements in the groundwater, over time.
All available ground water data from pre-mining conditions
to existing conditions was collected and used to develop the
model.
The model indicated a flow of groundwater from the Tailings
Management Area (near Dam B) was slowly migrating
towards Zeemel Lake. Over the past couple of years,
extensive field programs were carried out to verify the
extent of the plume and to ensure the groundwater model
was representative to that of field conditions.
Through continued consultation with government agencies,
First Nation representatives, 3rd party hydrogeological
consultants and site management, it was recommended
that a groundwater interception system be installed to help
mitigate the flow of groundwater towards Zeemel Lake. In
2009, Musselwhite applied to the Provincial government for
the permits to have this system approved for construction.
Approval for this system was granted in September 2009
which initiated the construction of the system.
Emergency Response Team displaying spill containment techniques
The groundwater interception system is comprised of
7 pumping wells designed to intercept and transport
potentially contaminated groundwater back into the
Tailings Management Area. This system will minimize
further migration of the plume towards Zeemel Lake. In
addition to these new pumping wells 11 new groundwater
monitoring wells were also installed to monitor the success
of this project. These wells have been added to the extensive
monitoring well network that is currently being monitored
by the members of the Sustainability Department at
Musselwhite Mine.
To compliment spill management at Musselwhite, an annual
spill response training program has been initiated to comply
with the ICMC and ensure site personnel are competently
trained in responding to spills. In addition to spill training,
spill response drills are also completed on an annual basis to
test the response plan and incorporate lessons learned from
these tests.
Reported Environmental Incidents
This system will be commissioned and put into service
in 2010. Investigations will continue to determine the
preferred closure scenario for the tailings area in relation to
groundwater mitigation.
16
Map of mine site and surrounding lakes
Groundwater Interception System Pumphouses
Fall Aquatic Study
Cycle 2 Environmental Effects
Since the mine has been operating, an annual fall aquatic
study has been completed in water bodies around the
mine and in the vicinity of the communities. Each year
a fisheries assessment has been completed in Zeemel
Lake, Opapimiskan Lake, Lake 282, Barrigar Lake and
Wastayanipi Lake. In 2009, the Fall Aquatic Study was
conducted in late September. The findings of the 2009 study
are still pending. However, the key findings and conclusions
of the fisheries assessment undertaken in lakes in the
vicinity of the Musselwhite Mine in the fall of 2008 include:
Monitoring (EEM) Study
Musselwhite is legislated to comply with the Metal Mining
Effluent Regulations. This Federal Regulation imposes
limits on releases of deleterious substances (ie. cyanide,
metals, and suspended solids) and prohibits the discharge
of effluent that is acutely lethal to fish. The Musselwhite
Mine Cycle 2 EEM program consisted of effluent sublethal
toxicity testing, water quality monitoring and a field survey
that included water quality, sediment quality, a benthic
invertebrate community survey and a fish survey focused
on Lake 282 and reference areas (First Lake & Barrgiar Lake).
1. Fish communities and catch-per-unit effort (CPUE) were
consistent with the results of previous sampling efforts.
In summary, biological monitoring conducted as part of the
Musselwhite Mine’s Cycle 2 EEM documented no effects to
benthic invertebrate communities and documented only
very subtle differences in relative abundances of a number
of organisms. Additionally, sediment quality data suggest
that effects to benthic organisms would not be expected.
2. Fish size, age, and condition were generally similar
among lakes. There was no evidence of impairment of
fish condition in lakes downstream of the mine effluent
discharge.
3. There was no evidence of an increase in the concentration
of priority parameters arsenic and copper (mine-related)
or mercury (non-mine-related) in fish muscle tissue
or fish liver tissue over the period from 1997 to 2008.
Similarly, there have been no significant increases from
baseline concentrations.
Fish population monitoring documented few effects. The
effects observed were limited to small differences in the
female white sucker. Female white sucker from the exposure
lake (Lake 282) had moderately larger ovary weights and
moderately larger liver weight than those from the reference
lake (First Lake). This information has been submitted
to Environment Canada for review. It is anticipated that
Musselwhite Mine will complete a third 3-year cycle of
periodic EEM in 2011, using a similar approach to Cycle 2.
Overall, annual fish monitoring, undertaken since 1997,
continues to indicate that the Musselwhite Mine has not
had any adverse effect on fish communities, the condition
of sentinel fish species (walleye and lake whitefish), nor
on the concentrations of metals in muscle and liver tissues
of sentinel fish species in lakes monitored near the mine.
Although there have been no significant impacts on the
fisheries in the vicinity of the mine, additional regulatory
aquatic assessments were also completed in 2009 and will
be discussed in the next section.
17
Before
After
Reclamation
Reclamation Planning
Musselwhite Mine maintains its commitment to the
reclamation of land disturbed during the life of the mine.
In 2008 the old bailey bridge located 9 kilometres south
of Musselwhite on the Paseminon River was removed. The
banks of the river were re-sloped and rehabilitated with
riprap. Native trees were also planted around the site to
help reclaim previously disturbed areas. These projects are
two examples of Musselwhite’s dedication to maintaining a
proactive reclamation program for the mine site.
Musselwhite Mine submitted its original Closure Plan
prior to beginning operations in 1997. Over the years the
closure plan has been amended as the mine continues its
development. The closure plan outlines the reclamation
and rehabilitation requirements needed to close the mine
upon completion of operation. This is a requirement of
the Ontario Mining Act. In 2008, a Notice of Material
Change was submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Northern
Development Mines and Forestry for the installation of
a fresh air raise, the installation of a flotation circuit to
separate potentially acid generating materials from the
tailings (to be installed at a later date), a tailings thickener
system to reduce the water content of the tailings to allow
for the sloping of the tailings, a dry cover scenario to close
the tailings facility and the groundwater interception
system. Musselwhite was given notice from MNDMF that
the Closure Plan would require amending and the Financial
Assurance (money required for closure activities) provided
would require updating based on the proposed changes.
The Closure Plan was amended and submitted in 2009.
Comments received from MNDMF and the Ministry of
Environment resulted in the mine amending the plan and
resubmitting in early 2010.
In the summer of 2007, re-vegetation test plots were
installed near the tailings impoundment area. Each plot
holds desulphurized tailings generated during the pilot
study conducted for the removal of sulphide minerals from
Musselwhite Mine tailings. In the spring of 2008, these test
plots were prepared with various depths of growth medium
then planted with combinations of native trees and grasses.
Different soil and plant combinations were used to explore
the effectiveness of re-vegetation options for the final
design of the tailings cover. The trees planted include black
spruce and eastern white cedar.
For the purpose of this study, the grass seed mixture is the
same that has been in other previous hydro seeding projects
at Musselwhite Mine. The mixture consists of the following;
It is important that the components of the closure plan are
communicated to all stakeholders. Sections of the Closure
Plan are reviewed at Environmental Working Committee
meetings to keep community representatives informed of
the mining process and the planning involved in closing an
operation. This is also an opportunity for the communities
to express concerns with concepts within the plan, which
allows the mine the opportunity to address these concerns.
• 15% Richmond Timothy
• 15% Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover
• 15% Russian Wild Rye
• 20% Annual Ryegrass
• 25% Creeping Red Fescue
• 10% Birdsfoot Trefoil
It is anticipated that the dry tailings cover would be revegetated during mine operation to control dusting and
erosion with final re-vegetation upon closure of the facility.
18
Opapimiskan Lake
19
Big Beaver House Lake
20
Wunnumin Lake
21
Kingfisher Lake
22
Musselwhite Sustainability Values Logo
SUST
AIN
AB
I
CONNECT
PROTECT
M
U
ITE
TY
LI
S
H
LW
SE
The logo represents the interconnectedness that we share with the land, air, water as well as with
the creatures that walk amongst us. It is our expectation that the employees of Musselwhite Mine
will connect with something within the logo, grow to respect it and learn to protect it. By doing this,
the employees will ultimately be an extension of the Sustainability Department by following site
Policies and Procedures and maintaining an environmentally sustainable business.
Everything within the logo has an aboriginal and environmental significance
4 Colours in the Wheel– Represents the colours of the human races as
well as the four seasons and four directions found on a compass
RESPECT
Ripply Blue- Represents the mixed races of humankind and the fact that Musselwhite Mine itself is
surrounded by water
Purple Aster Flower– is a local flower which represents our commitment
to the protection of soil/vegetation and site reclamation
Walleye– Represents our commitment to the protection of aquatic life and
is a significant food source for the local First Nation people
Eagle- Symbolizes prestige and vision and represents Musselwhite’s commitment to the protection
of the air we breathe
Wolf Footprint- Symbolizes family and working together as a team and each employees’
commitment to proper waste management to minimize
the impact on local wildlife