Manitoba rehabilites abandoned mines

The Manitoba government will contribute $2 million toward the rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites.

Industry, Trade and Mines will contribute $1 million over four years to cap and close off open shafts at various sites under the province’s Orphaned Mine Site Rehabilitation Program.

To complement this initiative, Manitoba Conservation’s Environmental Health Risk Assessment Program will receive $1 million over four years to assess the environmental impact of abandoned mines.

Plans call for air and water quality tests to be performed at specific mine sites, including Sherritt Gordon, Sherridon, Baker Paton and God’s Lake, as well as the Snow Lake arsenopyrite stockpile.

“While the mining industry continues to be an important economic activity for northern Manitoba, many abandoned mines have open mine shafts that pose significant safety risks for the public,” says Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin. “The capping and fencing-off of these sites are required.”

An advisory committee involving representatives from First Nations, industry, mining, local communities, environmental groups and the public will provide ongoing advice and direction.

Since May 1999, mining companies in the province have be held liable for the full cost of all rehabilitation measures at mine sites.