MUSSELWHITE

SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental Initiatives | Community Development | Economic Contribution

Environmental Initiatives

Musselwhite mine works diligently to maintain the natural environment around the mine site.  Even with the remote location, the mine has a waste segregation program that manages; recyclable materials (ie. Batteries, paper, aluminum cans, scrap metal, waste oil, vent tubing, printer cartridges); hazardous waste material, non hadardous mine waste and domestic waste.

An energy management review is completed on all proposed projects to ensure the maximum efficiency of energy use, while looking for innovative ways to reduce energy emissions and costs.

Through the Environmental Working Committee the mine consults with the local First Nation communities in attempts to address their concerns or suggestions related to mine planning, environmental monitoring and reclamation projects.

 The mine works closely with the First Nations and their consultant to monitor the surrounding waterways adjacent to the site and the First Nation Communities downstream of the operation. This willingness to work with the First Nations and improve their understanding of the mining process has been mutually beneficial

In 2005 Musselwhite completed a ground water assessment and developed a computerized model of ground water activity adjacent to the tailings impoundment.  In early 2006, an extensive field program was carried out to determine the accuracy of the model. The field program confirmed the reliability of the model and detected the early signs of seepage from the tailings facility.  Musselwhite is now investigating and implementing short and long term solutions to the seepage, with input from the local communities, specialists and regulators. Further studies are planned for 2007.

Musselwhite mine has been exploring closure options for the tailings storage area.  It believes that, after sulphur removal, a dry cover over the deposited tailings would significantly reduce the potential environmental challenges associated with the tailings storage in the future.  Various dry cover systems are being evaluated in the field through construction and monitoring of re-vegetation test plots.

Musselwhite Wetland Discharge

Community Development

Communication and engagement of the local communities is an important component of Musselwhite’s commitment to social responsibility. The Environmental Working Group is a public liaison committee composed of a cross section of diverse interests from local communities.  Through this committee the mine is able to report its progress, receive feedback and hear concerns directly from local citizens. Musselwhite also tries to engage these groups in the development of local projects that will benefit the area over the long-term and beyond the life of the mine.

In 2006 relations with First Nations communities continued to improve and several new projects were introduced, including partnerships for upgrading environmental flume equipment and the opening of a new retail store. A Cultural Diversity Awareness Program was also developed and offered to all employees

In partnership with the First Nations, Musselwhite will continue to monitor the benefits of the Musselwhite Agreement through the various committees established under the Agreement.  The four Signatory Communities of the Musselwhite Agreement are individual and bring to the table their unique interests and concerns with the project. All wish to benefit from the project with regards to revenue sharing, employment and training opportunities and economic development possibilities. Three of the communities have direct contracts with Musselwhite mine to provide employment services, cleaning service, a local air service, and a maintenance agreement.

Larger economic opportunities are managed at the First Nation Council level in providing the catering, camp cleaning and laundry service as well as the commissary, nursing and health care services. The main air charter service is provided by a solely owned First Nations airline.

Recently Goldcorp Canada and Musselwhite mine signed a Joint Venture Exploration Agreement with an affiliate community of the Musselwhite Agreement. Mine staff will be working closely with this community to assist them in advancing exploration activities within their traditional territory. 

Economic Contribution

Significant economic benefits to local communities include wages for local residents employed at the mine, taxes (municipal, provincial, and federal), donations and the local purchase of goods and services.

Annual Opening Ceremony to bless the
treated mine water prior to release
to the natural environment. 

Reports

2007 Musselwhite Mine Sustainability Report