Highlights
- Reclaiming mine sites is a deliberate, long-term process that
requires a sustained commitment, and it can take years to know if
efforts are fully working
- Genome BC is funding a new research partnership with Chu Cho
Environmental, the Centerra Gold Inc's Mount Milligan Mine and
Thompson Rivers University (TRU), using genomics to scan for signs
of biodiversity recovery in reclaimed soils
- Researchers are examining invertebrates (e.g. insects) and soil
samples from a land reclamation project at the Mount Milligan Mine
near Prince George to see if
invertebrates and select soil microbes can act as early indicators
of ecological recovery
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 11,
2024 /CNW/ - Mining companies in British Columbia (BC) are required by law to
reclaim lands impacted by mining. However, reclaiming land affected
by mining activities is a long term process. It can take decades to
determine if the land has recovered.
An innovative reclamation project is underway at the Mount
Milligan Mine north of Prince
George. With co-funding from the Mount Milligan Mine and
Genome British Columbia (Genome BC), researchers from Thompson
Rivers University (TRU) and Chu Cho Environmental, an environmental
research and consulting company owned by Tsay Keh Dene Nation, are testing a new way to
evaluate ecological recovery.
"This project is exploring whether these new monitoring methods
will more quickly signal if reclamation activities are working,"
says Suzanne Gill, Genome BC's
President and Chief Executive Officer. "The key to this project is
the use of genomics to test for the presence of invertebrates, such
as insects and spiders, and to test for the presence and diversity
of fungi and microbes in the soil."
"It is well known that the activities of microbial communities
drive soil development and that invertebrate communities are highly
responsive to changes in their environments. So, we are examining
whether their presence on the reclamation site and in the soil can
be used as early indicators of ecological recovery," says TRU
Researcher Dr. Jonathan Van
Hamme.
To assess the effectiveness of reclamation, the research team
will compare soil samples from the Mount Milligan Mine to those
from three types of reference sites: a regenerating commercial
forestry-disturbed area, a regenerating wildfire-disturbed area and
an unvegetated bare ground control area.
If successful, this technique can be used to quickly identify
sites where reclamation activities are not meeting the goals,
allowing for timely adjustments to improve reclamation
outcomes.
The use of genomics to examine soil health is an extension of
ongoing work by TRU, Chu Cho Environmental and the Mount Milligan
Mine.
Using Native Plant Species
Historically, using a commercial seed mix and mono-cropping has
been the industry standard; however, as the reclamation field
advances there has been a shift towards site specific approaches
that use native species sourced from near the site. The Mount
Milligan Mine is focused on revegetating the site using native
species gathered by local seed collection. Through a collaboration
with the McLeod Lake Indian Band and Nak'azdli Whut'en, the Mine is
incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge in setting land use
objectives and reclamation planning. Native plant species are being
reintroduced to the site through large-scale collection,
propagation and planting.
"We need to continue to improve how we do land reclamation,"
says Kristen Marini, Ecologist from
Chu Cho Environmental. "Indigenous engagement is important to
making sure the reclaimed area will support native plants, animals
and traditional land use activities once the area is finished being
an active mine."
About Genome British Columbia:
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced
genomics research and innovation for nearly 25 years, growing a
world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable
benefits for British Columbia,
Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1 billion in direct co-investment to the
province, which has contributed to funding more than 550 genomics
research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance
healthcare and address environmental and natural resource
challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC
also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible
research and innovation and fostering an understanding and
appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the
public. www.genomebc.ca
About Chu Cho Environmental:
Chu Cho Environmental (CCE) is a for-profit social enterprise
wholly owned by Tsay Keh Dene
Nation. In 2013, CCE was devised as a business that would
eventually become capable of providing expert environmental
services for Tsay Keh Dene Nation
and northern British Columbia more
broadly. CCE is one example of Tsay Keh
Dene's right to an economy and so we are focused on
expanding our scope of services while building a resilient and
sustainable business. Our path so far is one of careful and
deliberate organic growth with an abiding focus on our commitment
as a social enterprise.
https://www.youtube.com/@ChuChoEnvironmental
About Centerra Gold:
Centerra Gold Inc. is a Canadian-based gold mining company
focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring gold and
copper properties in North
America, Türkiye, and other markets worldwide. Centerra
operates two mines: the Mount Milligan Mine in British Columbia, Canada, and the Öksüt Mine
in Türkiye. Centerra also owns the Goldfield District Project in
Nevada, United States, the Kemess Underground Project
in British Columbia, Canada, and
owns and operates the Molybdenum Business Unit in the United States and Canada. Centerra's shares trade on the TSX
under the symbol CG and on the NYSE under the symbol CGAU. Centerra
is based in Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. https://www.centerragold.com
About Thompson Rivers University:
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. TRU has
grown to become a comprehensive institution offering a wide range
of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
TRU is home to the first high-throughput genomic sequencing lab in
BC outside the Lower Mainland, TRUGen, under the direction of
microbiologist Dr. Jonathan Van
Hamme. Its primary focus is environmental remediation, waste
treatment, and the agricultural industries, including Canadian
food, beverage, and nutraceuticals. The university emphasizes
experiential learning, research opportunities and community
engagement, preparing students for global careers. With a beautiful
campus set against the backdrop of the Thompson River and the
surrounding mountains, TRU offers a vibrant student life and a
supportive academic environment.
SOURCE Genome British Columbia