Faro Mine remediation project – an overview

Authors: Mead, SP Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1152_111_Mead

Cite As:
Mead, SP 2011, 'Faro Mine remediation project – an overview', in AB Fourie, M Tibbett & A Beersing (eds), Mine Closure 2011: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 433-440, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1152_111_Mead



Abstract:
Planning for remediation and closure of the Faro Mine is a major undertaking, the responsibility for which has fallen to government. Located in Canada’s North, the Faro Mine provided almost 15% of the world’s lead and zinc supply throughout 30 years of intermittent operations. The last operator, Anvil Range Mining Corporation, sought protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and was placed into receivership in 1998. In January 2003, the federal and territorial governments acknowledged that the Faro Mine would not reopen and that a permanent, long-term remediation plan would be needed. The two governments then entered into a joint agreement with the Ross River Dena Council (RRDC) and Selkirk First Nation (SFN), committing to a collaborative approach to developing and implementing a remediation plan for the site. Options for remediation of the Faro Mine have been considered for over 25 years. In this time, hundreds of options have been identified and reviewed by technical experts in all levels of government and the private sector. This process has led to an increasing understanding of the underlying issues associated with 30 years of mining, and in turn, allowed a better definition of the agreed upon solution. However, work must be carefully planned, as the challenges are significant. A final closure and remediation plan must address the central issues of public health and safety and environmental protection, and account for such matters as First Nations and public involvement, and managing social and economic opportunity. This paper will provide an overview of this major remediation project, touching on many of the challenges that have been overcome to date, and highlighting those that can be expected in the next five years. Major themes will include transitioning from ten years of interim receivership to long-term government care and control, responding to an ever evolving environmental landscape, navigating a unique regulatory regime, and involving First Nations and Yukoners in the potential economic benefits of the project.

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