Musselwhite Case Study: A New Way of Mining
Teacher Activity Outline 1 of 2
Suggested Levels: Intermediate and Senior • • • •
Time
135 minutes
Resources
• Musselwhite Case Study student handout • Musselwhite Closure Plans teacher information sheet
Link to Ontario Curriculum
The Earth’s Crust Grade 7
• Relating Science and Technology to the World Outside the School
Natural Resources Grade 7
• Understanding Concepts
Human-Environment Interactions Grade 9
• Understanding Concepts • Learning through Application
Human-Environment Interactions Grade 11
• Understanding Concepts
Earth Materials Grade 12
• Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment
Environment and Resource Management Grade 12
• Understanding and Managing Change
Learning Activity
1.2
Purpose
To introduce the importance of sustainable practices in the mining industry. To demonstrate how technology is used in the mining process. To examine the environmental concerns that can accompany mining. To produce an action plan for reclaiming a mine site upon closure.
Teacher Information The Mining New Opportunities video/DVD was filmed in part at the Musselwhite underground gold mine in northwestern Ontario and features interviews with employees of this mining operation. As there is no road access, this is a fly-in operation, with pickup points in Thunder Bay and five northern communities. The mine employs 293 full-time employees, has 105 contract personnel providing support services, and uses First Nations contractors to provide air transportation and camp services. Musselwhite Mine is operated and owned (68%) by Placer Dome – the world’s sixth largest gold mining company. Kinross Gold Corporation has the remaining 32% interest. This case study provides students with an example of how the mining industry uses responsible and sustainable resource management. The assignment consists of designing a reclamation plan that is creative, but also has reasonable expectations. Students need to have a clear understanding of the purpose behind reclamation so that their design reflects the needs of the community and the surrounding environment.
16
. Mining New Opportunities
