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CONTENTS|CONTENU CIM MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011 | NOVEMBRE 2011

NEWS 12

“Forever is a very long time” International mine closure

Everyone under the same umbrella John Ruggie about

conference makes its Canadian debut by R. Bergen the U.N.’s framework for business and human rights by P. Braul and A. Baldwin

16 18 20

Mining conference cultivates sustainable thinking Efficient Swedish firms connect in Canada and encourage risk taking by K. Lagowski On the campaign trail Mining Association of Canada initiates consciousness-raising ad series in Ottawa by H. B. George Online resource opens door to exploration CanGeoRef organizes Canadian geosciences literature in one database and reduces the cost of access by P. Braul Social licence under the microscope Oil sands outreach advisor Don Thompson questions the focus of anti-industry protests by G. Lanktree

UPFRONT 24

Thickened tailings pave the way Site rehabilitation at Osisko’s Canadian Malartic Mine key to fast-track production success by P. Diekmeyer

Shooting for the Moon Commercial space explorers urge the government and miners to get on board by G. Lanktree

Working with what you have Partnership of industry and academia produces a suite of tailings impoundment cover technologies by H. Ednie

Extractive metallurgy for the next century Processing startup Neomet Technologies pushes for smaller footprint and greater returns from ore and waste by D. Zlotnikov

Tired of fatigue-related accidents? Mines are implementing new fatigue monitoring technologies to identify drowsy operators by P. Diekmeyer

A return on ambition Sean Roosen on his early days, Osisko’s flagship mine and charting a course for the future

by R. Andrews

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM • PROGRAMME PRÉLIMINAIRE

44th Annual Canadian Mineral Processors Operators’ Conference Conférence annuelle des minéralurgistes du Canada January 17-19, 2012 • 17-19 janvier 2012 Westin Hotel • Ottawa, Ontario

84 4 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

COLUMNS | CHRONIQUES

38 FEATURE | ARTICLE VEDETTE 38

Pushing back the frontier Quebec’s plan to advance northern development is rich with potential – and uncertainty by A. Lopez-Pacheco

Repousser les frontiers Le plan du Québec pour développer le Nord est plein de potentiel

58 60 60 62 64 64 66 66 68 68 70 72 73 75 76 76 97 98

MAC Economic Commentary by P. Stothart Supply Side by J. Baird Du coté de l’offre HR Outlook by L. Forcellini Innovation by T. Hynes L’innovation Standards by L. Arseneault and A. Lee Normes par L. Arsenault et A. Lee Women in Mining by H. Ednie Les femmes en exploitation minière Regard sur les affaires par C. Kazaz et J. Masson Eye on Business by C. Kazaz and J. Masson Metals Monitor by the staff of Metals Economics Group Aboriginal Perspectives by J. C. Reyes Mining Lore by C. Baldwin Folklore minier Voix de l’industrie par S. Simard Voices from Industry by S. Simard

– et d’incertitudes

CIM NEWS | NOUVELLES DE L’ICM

COMMODITY FOCUS 56

United front Distinguished Lecturers hit the road

Brilliant in uncertain times As demand

in the name of workforce recognition and retention

outstrips supply, the diamond market enters a new era by P. Braul

by M. Eisner

56 FEATURED PROJECT | PROJET EN VEDETTE

Teaching the ropes George Delorme earns industry respect for his contributions as a rope specialist by M. Eisner

Two cities: a new tale begins CIM streamlines its operations and budget with a revamped conference plan by H. B. George

Deux villes : une nouvelle histoire commence l’ICM rationalise ses opérations et son budget grâce à une stratégie de congrès réorganisée

Steely Determination A high-grade iron project in northeastern Quebec and Labrador spurs an ambitious partnership between New Millennium Iron Corp. and Tata Steel by E. Moore

Une volonté de fer Un projet sur le minerai de fer à haut teneur dans le nord-est du Québec et du Labrador entraine un partenariat ambitieux entre New Millennium Iron Corp. et Tata Steel

HISTORY 88 91

Australia (Part 1) by R. J. Cathro History of asbestos by F. Habashi

TECHNICAL SECTION 93 94

CIM Journal Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 8 10 78 79 81 95

Editor’s message President’s note / Mot du president LinkedIn comments Welcoming new members Obituaries Calendar Professional directory

editor’s letter Bearing north Plans are nothing; planning is everything ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

Editor-in-chief Angela Hamlyn, editor@cim.org Managing Editor Joan Tomiuk, jtomiuk@cim.org Senior Editor Ryan Bergen, rbergen@cim.org Section Editors Features:

ccording to the history books, explorer Jacques Cartier thought that he had hit pay dirt when he discovered what he believed to be diamonds and gold on the slopes of Cap aux Diamant (Cape Diamond) in the Cap-Rouge area of central Quebec in 1541. When he returned to France, he learned that the sparkling stones he had carried back from his expedition were actually quartz crystals and iron pyrite. Cartier’s geological faux pas gave rise to the French saying: “faux comme les diamants du Canada” (as false as Canadian diamonds). Today, Canadian diamonds account for approximately 17 per cent of the world’s production. Although operations are currently concentrated in the Northwest Territories and Northern Ontario, Cartier would no doubt feel vindicated as Stornoway Diamond Corporation’s Renard project is on track to become Quebec’s first diamond mine. The potential that Cartier imagined centuries ago is certainly being realized today as the Quebec minerals industry represents a business in excess of $6 billion and accounts for more than 50,000 direct jobs. However, Mother Nature surely did not have convenience in mind when she deposited Quebec’s mineral riches, many of which reside north of the 49th parallel. In this issue, we take a close look at the Quebec mining industry in the context of Le Plan Nord, an ambitious $80 billion economic, social and environmental plan to develop the mining, forestry and energy resources of Northern Quebec over the next 25 years. Writer Alexandra Lopez-Pacheco speaks with representatives from industry, government and communities as she explores some of the prospects and pitfalls of what has been referred to as “the project of a generation.” No matter what side of the debate one finds oneself, it seems clear that the particulars of how the plan is carried out will undoubtedly have tremendous consequences on this, and future generations. This issue’s featured project profiles how Indian conglomerate Tata Steel and New Millennium Iron Corporation (NML) are realizing their own ambitious plans as they join forces to develop a high-grade iron project in northeastern Quebec and Labrador. Through the joint venture called Tata Steel Minerals Canada, Tata Steel will get access to a valuable iron source it needs for its European operations, and NML to the capital it needs to develop a 210-kilometre-long chain of deposits. Be sure to check out the “last call” for CIM award nominations – closing on December 15. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine the light on the achievements of colleagues who are making a difference in the many facets of the industry. Finally, nominations are also being sought for some key CIM Council positions, including president-elect (2012-2013) and vice-president districts 2, 4 and 6. Nominations are due by December 31 and more information can be found on page 53 (English) and page 62 (French).

Angela Hamlyn, Editor-in-chief 6 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

Ryan Bergen, rbergen@cim.org News and Upfront:

Peter Braul, pbraul@cim.org Columns, CIM News, Histories and Technical Section:

Andrea Nichiporuk, anichiporuk@cim.org Hartley Butler George, hbgeorge@cim.org Web Editor Nathan Hall, nhall@cim.org Publisher CIM Contributors Richard Andrews, Luc Arsenault, Jon Baird, A. Baldwin, Correy Baldwin, R. J. Cathro, Peter Diekmeyer, Heather Ednie, Marlene Eisner, Lindsay Forcellini, Fathi Habashi, Tom Hynes, Charles Kazaz, Krystyna Lagowski, Graham Lanktree, Alexandra Lee, Alexandra LopezPacheco, Jean Masson, Eavan Moore, Juan Carlos Reyes, Serge Simard, Staff of Metals Economics Group, Paul Stothart, Dan Zlotnikov Published 8 times a year by CIM 1250 – 3500 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Westmount, QC, H3Z 3C1 Tel.: 514.939.2710; Fax: 514.939.2714 www.cim.org; Email: magazine@cim.org Subscriptions Included in CIM membership ($150.00); Non-members (Canada), $168.00/yr (GST included; Quebec residents add $12.60 PST; NB, NL and NS residents add $20.80 HST); U.S. and other countries, US$180.00/yr; Single copies, $25.00. Advertising Sales Dovetail Communications Inc. 30 East Beaver Creek Rd., Ste. 202 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1J2 Tel.: 905.886.6640; Fax: 905.886.6615; www.dvtail.com National Account Executives 905.886.6641 Janet Jeffery, jjeffery@dvtail.com, ext. 329 Neal Young, nyoung@dvtail.com, ext. 325 Michael Hackett-Pedler, mhackett-pedler@dvtail.com, ext. 317

This month’s cover Looking out on Hudson Bay from Inukjuak, Quebec David Rouault/Rouault.net Layout and design by Clò Communications Inc. www.clocommunications.com Copyright©2011. All rights reserved. ISSN 1718-4177. Publications Mail No. 09786. Postage paid at CPA Saint-Laurent, QC. Dépôt légal: Bibliothèque nationale du Québec. The Institute, as a body, is not responsible for statements made or opinions advanced either in articles or in any discussion appearing in its publications.

Printed in Canada

president’s notes Wanted: Trusted counselors Mentoring has a long history. In Homer’s Iliad, Odysseus entrusted the education of his son Telemachus to his old friend, Mentor. And, although revealed to us more recently, “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” Obi-wan Kenobi mentored Anakin Skywalker and his son Luke. To help solve the enormous challenge of our current shortage of skilled, dedicated people, our industry will need similar heroes. Mentoring by our more experienced members will be essential to welcome, nurture and develop new protégés. As a trusted counselor, a mentor must be willing and prepared to discuss a protégé’s needs and hopes openly, objectively and in confidence. CIM is rolling out our new Leadership Development Program to ensure that our industry is defined by leadership excellence in addition to technical excellence. Exceptional leadership will be developed and defined by good mentorship and that is why CIM’s leadership program will provide senior industry executive mentors for participants, and also guide the development of each participant’s own mentoring skills. Jethro Tull sang to us, “Your wise men don’t know how it feels to be thick as a brick.” All of us mentors need to pay attention to this. We are mentors in part because of our greater experience; however, if presented crudely or arrogantly, this may intimidate our protégés. To paraphrase from a recent on-target phrase from The Economist, I humbly ask our mentors to be courteous and gentle, and to remind yourselves how ignorant it is to have forgotten what it felt like to have but little experience.

Chuck Edwards CIM President

Conseillers de confiance recherchés Le mentorat ne date pas d’hier. Déjà, dans l’Illiade d’Homère, Ulysse confia l’éducation de son fils Télémaque à son vieil ami, Mentor. Et, bien que nous l’ayons appris plus récemment, « il y a bien longtemps dans une galaxie lointaine, très lointaine » Obi-wan Kenobi a été le mentor d’Anakin Skywalker, puis de son fils Luke. Voilà le genre de héros dont notre industrie aura besoin pour contribuer à résoudre l’énorme défi posé par la pénurie actuelle de personnes compétentes et dévouées. Il est essentiel que nos nouveaux protégés bénéficient de l’encadrement de nos membres les plus expérimentés qui veilleront à leur perfectionnement. À titre de conseiller de confiance, un mentor doit être prêt à discuter ouvertement, objectivement et en toute confiance des besoins et des espoirs de son protégé. L’ICM met en œuvre son nouveau programme de perfectionnement du leadership pour que notre industrie soit synonyme d’excellence en leadership, mais aussi d’excellence technique. Un leadership exceptionnel sera développé et défini par un bon encadrement. C’est pourquoi le programme élaboré par l’ICM fera

8 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

bénéficier les participants de l’encadrement de cadres supérieurs de l’industrie et orientera le développement des propres aptitudes de chaque participant pour le mentorat. Jethro Tull nous a chanté, «Your wise men don’t know how it feels to be thick as a brick » (vos hommes sages ignorent ce que c’est que de se sentir épais comme une brique ). En tant que mentors, nous devons tous faire attention à cela. Nous sommes des mentors, en partie à cause de notre plus grande expérience, mais si nous manquons de délicatesse et faisons preuve d’arrogance, nous pourrions intimider nos protégés. Pour paraphraser une formule récente particulièrement vraie de The Economist, je prie humblement nos mentors de se montrer courtois et aimables et de se souvenir que c’est faire preuve d’ignorance que d’oublier comment on se sent quand on a peu d’expérience.

Chuck Edwards Président de l’ICM

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CIM’s LinkedIn group provides enlightening feedback CIM currently boasts over 3,000 members on LinkedIn. Join us today and get involved in the compelling dialogue. Below are a few of the myriad LinkedIn comments received daily in response to CIM Magazine’s editorial topics.

What makes a great leader? Leading by example: August 2011, Vol. 6, No. 5, p. 26 Great leaders are tested when relationship problems surface. Process or equipment problems do not have emotions as their root cause. Repairs or redesign can be accomplished objectively to eliminate these problems and are expected as part of meeting production goals. However, relationship problems between departments or members of the management team are often ignored for years because they are rooted in emotions and the “power structure.” Great leaders understand that they may be the only people that can initiate actions that solve relationship problems. Their courage and commitment during the process set powerful examples for the rest of the workforce and management team, making it possible to address similar issues in other areas – maybe for the first time. As a result, work, trust and a sense of teamwork increase.

In the beginning, there was nature – wild and untamed. In the forest, animals were always afraid: afraid they might not find food and starve to death, and afraid that they may become food and be killed. The world today can be equated with the jungle. Like animals, executives feel they have to compete in order to survive and thrive. The more cunning among us seem to reach higher in the food chain. It’s time to change: an ideal boss today must make sure there is perfect harmony in the organization and every employee must feel safe and secure. Everyone should be giving their best and feel appreciated. No one should be jealous, territorial or feel exploited. There should be warmth and affection all around. Praveen Kumar, Chief Mining Engineer, Zamin Resources Limited, Uruguay

Kay Sever, President of OptimiZ Consulting LLC, Phoenix, Arizona

A sense of humor helps a lot. A leader should also be willing to be approachable. I have always found the most effective leaders didn’t need to raise their voices but still managed to get their goals conveyed. Unfortunately, there are too many people without an innovative and curious disposition. A leader has to have a sense of the potential in a situation. It is simply not good enough to say, “we have a budget and all we have to do is stick to it.”

To be a good leader, one should also be a good follower. Ariel Santiago, Quarry Manager, Lafarge Republic Teresa plant, Philippines, Asia

A good leader must walk the talk. He or she must be an example to his or her workforce. Simon Kuta, Regional Content Officer, Barrick Gold Corporation, Tanzania, Africa

John Cairns, Senior Mining Engineer, wardrop Engineering, Saskatchewan, Canada

At the end of the day, I’ve learned much more from the bad leaders that I’ve worked under, than the good leaders. Make notes on the bad leaders that you work under and vow not to inflict those issues upon your tutelage. Learn from others’ mistakes and don’t repeat them. Pass the knowledge on… Jonathan West, wireless Program Project Manager, denver, Colorado

There are several characteristics that can make up a leader but being able to take the initiative, pulling a team together, not thinking of yourself and rather the company (or team)...these are indications of a good leader. Andrea Sedgwick, R&d Mining Lead, Total E&P Canada, Calgary, Alberta

Controversial project at Fish Lake: Do you think the federal government should go for it? New Prosperity plans would save lake: August 2011, Vol. 6, No. 5, p. 18 Great article. I hope the First Nations people understand that the original plan was the only economically feasible solution at the beginning of the project, but now that copper and gold prices have escalated, Taseko can implement a more environmentally friendly solution. Let’s see if the federal government will approve this plan. Tony Francelj, Business Segment Manager, Siemens, Atlanta, Georgia

I believe it’s a very viable project. I hope the outcome is positive and they get the go-ahead. Taseko has done a great job in bringing all of the parties together. The result will mean needed jobs in the employment-stressed community for many years to come. Rick Monsigneur, Strategic Account Executive, Baldor Electric, Vancouver, Canada

SCAN THE QR CODE wITH yOUR SMART PHONE TO BE TAkEN dIRECTLy TO CIM’S LINkEdIN PAGE.

10 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

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news “Forever is a very long time” International mine closure conference makes its Canadian debut By Ryan Bergen

12 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

Once an open pit clay mine, the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, is now an environmental tourism destination and educational charity.

Courtesy of Eden Project/Tamsyn Williams

To satisfy the requirements of the Ghanaian government and recover its bond, Golden Star Resources, the operator of the Wassa Mine, planted trees where mining operations had been completed. To satisfy their needs, the surrounding residents cut down those trees and planted corn before the bond could be recovered. Mark Thorpe, vice-president of sustainability at Golden Star, explained that the company has since adapted its reclamation efforts, engaged the local residents and found a more practicable solution that addresses the socio-economic and environmental aspects that modern mining operations contend with as a part of the mine closure and reclamation process. The lessons learned by Golden Star were some of many that were shared at the International Conference on Mine Closure held in Lake Louise, Alberta, in September. This was the sixth edition of the conference, but the first time that it was hosted in the Northern Hemisphere. The change of venue was warranted: the 600 spaces for delegates were claimed weeks before the event. The attendees came from around the world and included a delegation of government officials from Papua New Guinea looking to integrate best practices into development of its closure regulations. In his opening remarks, Les Sawatsky, a principal at Golder Associates and the conference chair, laid out the daunting challenge facing the industry, which has a much longer history of opening mines than closing them effectively. “What gives us the right to expect future generations to maintain thousands of closed mines that are vulnerable to failure with catastrophic consequences? To me, it is inconceivable that any provision to protect vulnerable closed mines with a

plan for perpetual maintenance will be heeded or remembered after a thousand years, or even a hundred years.” Beyond the moral imperative, Bruce Kelley, global practice leader for environment at Rio Tinto, presented a compelling business case for early and comprehensive mine closure planning. The multinational miner, he explained, has closure liabilities in the billions of dollars. The social licence of each new mine site is tied to the effective closure of other sites, and with a geographical footprint of 40,000 square kilometres, the company cannot escape notice. “Closure,” said Kelley, “is a core business function.” Andrew Robertson, president of Robertson GeoConsulants, pointed out that mines are only growing larger, which means the disturbance of more land, the creation of more waste and the construction of higher tailings dams – all of which increase the level of risk. With this sobering introduction, Robertson outlined a top 10 list

of problems associated with the practice of mine closure, where, he said “there have been more ‘oops’ moments than ‘eureka!’ moments.” The perpetual forces of nature and unforeseen catastrophic events have their places on the list, but the majority of shortcomings are related to inadequate planning, underfunding and undue “optimism for the effectiveness of new, novel and sensitive technology.” What constitutes successful closure continues to evolve. Technical sessions focused on the nuts and bolts of reclamation such as soils and pit lakes, but there was also a discussion of the aesthetic aspect of reclaimed land and a strong emphasis on addressing the socio-economic impact of closure on the communities around the mine. Golden Star, confronted with its closure dilemma, ultimately created a palm oil plantation that has created a source of revenue for the local residents and satisfied its reclamation requirements.

news Following the conference, Gord McKenna, a geotechnical engineer with BGC Engineering and a presenter, reiterated the growing attention to community engagement across the industry. “My sense is that the greatest recent revolution is in the social aspects of mining and mine closure and the need to work closely and continually with local communities,” he said. “True collaboration and shared decision-making was a new theme this year.” “I was pleasantly surprised,” said Sawatsky after the event, “to hear a number of plenary speakers caution the delegates to avoid being too optimistic in predicting performance of their mine closure plan, and to plan for the occurrence of extreme events that will certainly occur sometime in the future, albeit infrequently. Closed mines should be designed to function with minimal negative environmental impact, forever. Forever is a very long time.” CIM

MOVING ON UP Jerry Janik became the general manager of Ontario Graphite Limited’s Kearney Graphite Mine in September. He brings more than 20 years of mining industry experience, namely in quality control, mine planning, tailings deposition, production, project management, process improvement, permitting and new product development. The reopening of the mine is planned for mid-2012. He will have overall responsibility for the facility’s operation, including ensuring adherence to high standards in quality, environmental stewardship and employee safety. *** Jonathan Wilkinson joined BioteQ Environmental Technologies, Inc. as its CEO, replacing Brad Marchant. Wilkinson has extensive experience in the clean technology sector and public markets, leading companies through growth and change. He joins BioteQ from Nexterra Systems Corporation, where he was the senior vice-president of business development. *** Walter Energy has named Walter Sheller CEO of the company. Scheller, who previously was president of the company’s U.S. operations, replaces interim CEO Joseph Leonard. He was also elected to the board of directors.

November 2011 | 13

news Everyone under the same umbrella John Ruggie addresses concerns about business and human rights

Mike Pinder

By Peter Braul and Andrea Baldwin

On September 15th, a multi-stakeholder group met to hear Professor John Ruggie speak about his work at the UN developing a human rights framework for policy creation.

Professor John Ruggie’s “Protect, Respect, Remedy” framework for human rights and business has been a long time coming. It was welcomed by the United Nations in 2008, and the “Guiding Principles” for implementation were endorsed this year. In all, Ruggie and colleagues have spent

14 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

more than six years on these issues, and the United Nations Secretary-General’s former Special Representative on Human Rights and Business spoke about his work to a multi-stakeholder group on September 15 on behalf of the Centre for Excellence in CSR. His presentation there was one of many

stops to provide encouragement and build support for the dialogue and effort still needed to drive widespread changes. The three core principles of the framework consist of the obligation of the state to protect against human rights abuses by third parties, including businesses; the corporate responsibility to respect human rights; and the need for greater access by those who have been wronged to effective remedy. “Human rights and treating people with dignity are core to social sustainability – we assumed that and built from there,” Ruggie told the group, which included academics, non-governmental organization (NGO) participants, consultants, government observers and industry representatives. The event was held under “Chatham House Rules,” so it is not possible to identify individual stakeholders and their comments. Most present praised the work recognizing that the Guiding Principles have provided a much needed foundation for further work. Many confirmed their support for a process

news John Ruggie, the former Special Representative on Human Rights and Business for the United Nations Secretary-General speaking about the guiding principles he developed.

Mike Pinder

that encourages preventive and remedial measures. Ruggie’s recent work, attempting to push the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other multi-lateral bodies towards common standards, was also applauded. Concerns were focused on how to make the framework easier to implement and how to address perceived shortcomings in the guidance on judicial and non-judicial remedies. Much of the discussion focused on the responsibilities of the different actors: the legal obligations of government under international human rights law, and companies responsible for managing the adverse impacts of their own activities and business relationships connected to these activities. Some noted an increasing need for clarity in the role of civil society – groups outside formal government and market structures such as NGOs, professional associations

and community groups. Currently, civil society is only mentioned in the Guiding Principles with respect to implementation of effective grievance

mechanisms, a responsibility that it shares with industry and government. Some of the most striking discussion spurred by Ruggie’s talk focused on the Canadian government’s opportunity to play a more significant role internationally and at home. Attendees saw the potential for the Canadian government to support host country interventions, capacity building and many other initiatives as the framework begins to be put in place worldwide. Ruggie and his colleagues have already moved on to the next steps towards implementation. Several members of his UN team have formed a new non-profit organization called Shift, a centre for business and human rights practice; Ruggie will chair its board of directors. He will also take over as Chair of the Institute for Human Rights and Business’ International Advisory board in January 2012. CIM

November 2011 | 15

news Mining conference cultivates sustainable thinking Reinforcing the Swedish-Canadian alliance By Krystyna Lagowski

Courtesy of Atlas Copco

The first all-day SwedishAtlas Copco’s newest mine trucks use an engine that is seven to 12 per cent more efficient. Canadian mining conference, headlined “Innovative, sustainable and profitable mining,” was staged September 21 at the Hilton Toronto Hotel. Sweden’s key industry players designed the event to showcase their strengths and build on alliances between the two nations. As such, there was a strong presence from both Swedish and Canadian governments, as well as close to 200 Canadian mining executives and decision-makers. Throughout the day, there were presentations from a host of senand EKN, all highlighted their excelAtlas Copco Construction and Mining ior officials from Swedish mining and lence in everything from ore trucks to Canada, noted that his organization mining-related firms. Atlas Copco, fan bearings. has just become a member of the Dow Volvo and other manufacturers, as well Reg Labelle, national sales and Jones Sustainability Index, which proas Swedish export credit firms SEK business development manager for vides a benchmark for asset managers

GIVING BACK

UNB unveils Quartermain Earth Science Centre The University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton is now home to the Quartermain Earth Science Centre thanks to a $1 million contribution by UNB alumnus and mining executive, Robert Quartermain. After a lifetime of searching for the earth’s rarest minerals, Quartermain, Pretium Resources’ president and CEO, is sharing his passion for geology with the public. The Quartermain Centre opened in October and will showcase earth science teachings, research and outreach.

Courtesy of UNB/Rob Blanchard

Located in UNB’s forestry and geology building, the centre includes dinosaur replicas, a large-scale display showing a journey to the centre of the earth, a working seismograph and a mineral showcase. It also contains a new computer lab and will serve as a storehouse for items and information that are important to the area’s geology. The centre’s curator, Adrian Park, will also offer tours, making it a valuable outreach tool for the university.

16 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

Quartermain not only donated funds to renew the department of earth sciences and develop the centre, but he has also set aside funds to support the development of the facility. His past contributions to UNB include: establishing the Silver Standard Arnie McAllister Fund, which provides the opportunity for students to visit geological sites around the world; creating the Robert Quartermain Geology Scholarships; and providing a leadership gift in support of the Quartermain Sports Medicine Centre.

news that are investing in sustainable companies. Labelle offered a number of examples of Atlas Copco products that are already designed with energy efficiency in mind: the engine for their newest mine truck is seven to 12 per cent more fuel efficient, and the latest compressor energy recovery unit for rotary screw compressors enables up to 94 per cent of the energy from wasted compression heat to be recovered. Atlas Copco already does major business in Canada (18 per cent of its revenue comes from North America) but they hope upcoming improvements in technology will increase that. The company has set its sights on improving energy efficiency by 20 per cent over the next nine years. Four per cent of the annual budget will be dedicated to research and development in order to help reach that goal. Joao Ricciarelli, president of SKF Canada, explained how SKF evolved from a Swedish bearing business to an expert in international asset efficiency optimization. In 2010, SKF had sales of $9.3 billion, investing 3.5 per cent in research and development. “A bearing is worth only a cent,” said Ricciarelli, “but the money and effort and the impact on energy and sustainability to replace that cent is outrageous. That’s why we work closely with our customers to develop strategic solutions to get the most out of their equipment.” He gave the example of one company with a problematic iron ore grinding mill. When SKF did a design review, it found there was a seal problem and developed a solution, which reduced grease consumption from 1,000 kilograms to 15 kilograms per year, a substantial savings in both economic and environmental cost. Ricciarelli commented that he would like to see Canadians become less risk-averse. “Swedes are conservative, but Canadians are even more conservative,” he said. “In Sweden, we have had to overcome our risk-averse attitude in order to try new and different approaches, which have been tried

and tested around the world. SKF has over two million customers all over the world, and we would like to work more with Canadians.” Sweden’s geology is similar to Canada’s in many ways, and for centuries mining has been a huge industry there. Just as Canada rests on the Canadian Shield, Sweden is located on the Fennoscandian Shield, which is laden with iron, nickel and copper deposits. And also like Canada, the mining industry in Sweden is bustling with new mines as well as revitalized old ones. Currently, there are 13 metal mines in production in Sweden, 50 industrial mineral mines and 60 quarries. Iron, copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold are all being produced. Up to 24 per cent of the world’s minerals are consumed in Europe, but only four per cent are produced there. In order to compete outside the small Swedish market, Swedes are faced with a continuous search for efficiency, technological development and increased productivity. The same drive to com-

pete has Sweden investing heavily in exploration and prospecting, especially in the north, and looking to strengthen its connections with Canada. It has also been exploring opportunities elsewhere – a similar mining conference took place in Australia in November, and there are plans for a Chilean edition in the near future. Much of Sweden’s success in the mining industry started in the 1970s, said Magnus Andersson of the Swedish Trade Council, when the country was dependent on oil. As the oil crisis came, the country was forced to make radical changes; it established renewable energy policies, encouraged by tax incentives and legislation. “Since the Kyoto agreements, CO2 emissions in Sweden have been reduced by 10 per cent, but at the same time, we have had continuous economic growth,” he said. Andersson added that Canada’s CO2 emissions have increased by 25 per cent. He said Sweden’s success offers proof that sustainability and innovation can be profitable. CIM

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November 2011 | 17

news On the campaign trail MAC rallies government support with clever mining endorsements By H. B. George If you are travelling to Ottawa this fall, you might notice the mining industry’s presence in more ways than one – at least, that is what the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is hoping. MAC has released a new marketing campaign across the city with the slogan, “Before it’s yours, it’s mined,” to remind the public of the industry’s broad reach. The campaign is timed to coincide with Ottawa’s Mining Day on the Hill, an annual event that brings together mining industry representatives and federal decision-makers for a day of meetings. It aims to show the public the many facets of our world that are touched by the industry: from green energy and life-saving nutrition programs in Africa, to economic growth and everyday technology.

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Nine different ads commissioned by MAC are featured across Ottawa.

Throughout October and November, a series of nine different ads are being featured in the Ottawa airport and bus shelters across the city. The bus shelters were selected because of their proximity to key government departments, with the intention that the campaign’s message will resonate with the bureaucrats and ministers who work nearby. GWP Brand Engineering, the creative minds behind this campaign, wanted to reach both the general public and the government to create a baseline of awareness. MAC estimates that over the next five years, more than $137 billion could be invested in new and expanding mining projects. To do this, the industry will need government support in the form of regulatory efficiency, investment in infrastructure and human resources. Paul Hébert, MAC’s vice-president of government affairs, believes MAC will get more from its government requests if the audience has a better understanding of the contributions mining makes. “Mining is absent from the consciousness of people in urban centres despite the fact that it is omnipresent in their lives,” he said. “We rely on these commodities everyday. For example, you don’t get any more Canadian than hockey. Without mining, you don’t have skates, equipment, a net – you don’t have our national game.” Hébert says this is just the beginning of the kind of outreach MAC has planned for the future. “The mining industry is experiencing an opportunity it hasn’t had since the economic boom of the 1950s,” he explained. “Emerging economies are creating new possibilities. If industry and government get it right, together, we can capitalize on this opportunity for the benefit of all Canadians.” CIM

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news Online resource opens door to exploration CanGeoRef will provide “one-portal access to all Canadian geoscience literature”

A searchable database of Canadian geoscience literature called CanGeoRef was launched September 15 by the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES). The new service is expected to be a one-stop shop for academics and professionals doing research in the geosciences in Canada. Since the 1960s, The American Geological Institute (AGI) has been curating a global, searchable database of geoscience information called GeoRef; however, it has some gaps in its Canadian coverage, so CFES saw room for improvement. In collaboration with AGI, CFES took about a year and a half to assemble their new database. Data entry, the laborious task of collecting, formatting and inputting the references, was contracted out to Victora-based Purple Rock Inc., whose staff worked with information specialists in all provincial and territorial governments to ensure the smooth transfer of data. While GeoRef is a good source for many users, the Canadian content of the database has not been complete since the mid-1990s. “In the early days of digitization, these processes [of curating information] often became very expensive,” explains Elisabeth Kosters, the executive manager of CFES and the self-described “central spider” in the CanGeoRef

Courtesy of CanGeoRef

By Peter Braul

CanGeoRef’s online portal is an affordable, searchable database of Canadian geoscience literature. The Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences collaborated with the American Geological Institute to create the new service.

web. She says the provinces and territories went their separate ways for economic reasons, leaving GeoRef lacking. The Canadian data was still available, but only for those who knew where to get it and were adept at sifting through the various sources – from university collections to government agencies. “For each province, it was very well organized, but they weren’t linked,” says Kosters. The new database will allow users to access all of the Canadian literature published since the early 1800s and aims to be more affordable than GeoRef – a boon for the smaller companies operating here. “Many small or midsized organizations can’t afford subscriptions to GeoRef; it’s thousands of dollars,” says Kosters. In contrast, access to the Canadian database starts at US$65 for individual consultants, with prices that scale up depending on the size of the company or institution that subscribes. And though the information on CanGeoRef is sure to appeal to Canadians, Kosters expects the service to attract users from the 12 states that flank Canada’s borders as well. According to François Goulet, an exploration consultant based in Montreal, the new database will be “useful because it is a one-place search.” He says the all-inclusive aspect of services like CanGeoRef and GeoRef takes away the uncertainty that occurs when information is scattered in many locations. “If you can’t find it in GeoRef, you will have a hard time finding what you need.” There are already over 200,000 references in CanGeoRef, but the database will continue to incorporate more provincial and territorial journal literature, meeting proceedings and abstracts, maps, books, reports and academic theses until phase one is complete in 2013. Phase two will see the assessment reports from all of the provinces and territories added to the database. CIM

20 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

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news Social licence under the microscope A problem with the oil sands or a question of policy?

Don Thompson was driving down a congested Highway 401 in late September when he heard on the radio that about 300 people had gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to oppose Alberta’s oil sands and the Keystone XL pipeline. “I reflected on the fact that there were probably 300 people a minute passing that spot on the highway, and they do this every day,” said Thompson, the executive advisor of sustainability and outreach at Canadian Oil Sands Limited. It is not hard to understand why, according to recent polls, “75 per cent of Canadians support development, as long as it’s done in an environmentally responsible manner,” Thompson said. “The vast majority of Canadians understand that they need a safe, reliable, affordable source Media coverage of resistance against Alberta's oil sands has ignored research showing that the majority of Canadians of energy to make their own support responsible development. lives work. I think most [of the protesters] are more concerned with best the industry can do is solve 20 has now given the industry clear guidethe ongoing use of fossil fuels than percent of the problem,” he said. “We lines and timelines for when they they are about the oil sands per se,” he would like the tailings ponds solidified. can’t do it alone, and we need all segadded. And dependence on those fuels ments of society to contribute.” “This has helped the industry to make is not something oil producers can do “We can maintain the same lifestyle informed decisions on how to improve a lot about. “I’m not convinced that with less energy consumption, using its environmental management,” he people are against oil sands as much as better technology,” Thompson added. said. “Companies have demonstrated “But the unfortunate thing is that the that they can solidify a tailings pond.” they are against what they represent. For the industry, there is an acute Despite the fact that there are a small transition is going to take a long time. It’s not responsible to say we should go need for good communication. U.S. number of people who are against the President Obama’s decision on the fate off fossil fuels in X number of years.” oil sands, they are going to be part of of Keystone XL is due this month, and “I think, the industry is recognizing the energy mix for some long while.” the stakes are high for both industry that it needs to do more to have its On the other hand, activists are and the public to engage each other social licence to work in the oil sands,” calling for a rapid switch to renewable successfully. said Nathan Lemphers, a senior policy energy sources. “We have moved to a Ultimately, said Thompson, we analyst with the Pembina Institute. particularly vicious and dirty technolshould not be discussing whether or not, Progress, he said, is being made ogy, which destroys the environment,” but how, the oil sands go ahead. “‘Oil or through cooperation between regulasaid protester and Carleton University no oil’ is not the question. We cannot tors and the industry, citing the professor Manfred Bienefeld. run our world today without oil,” he example of the Alberta Energy But according to Thompson, 80 per stated. “The question is: ‘if not from Resources Conservation Board’s Direccent of greenhouse gas emissions tive 74, a tailings pond performance Canada, then from where?’ And I think come from our consumption, and not CIM sometimes people get confused.” criteria, with which the government the production of fossil fuels. “The 22 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

Graham Lanktree

By Graham Lanktree

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news “Forever is a very long time” International mine closure conference makes its Canadian debut By Ryan Bergen

12 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

Once an open pit clay mine, the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, is now an environmental tourism destination and educational charity.

Courtesy of Eden Project/Tamsyn Williams

November 2011 | 13

news

cim.org/csr

Everyone under the same umbrella John Ruggie addresses concerns about business and human rights

Mike Pinder

By Peter Braul and Andrea Baldwin

On September 15th, a multi-stakeholder group met to hear Professor John Ruggie speak about his work at the UN developing a human rights framework for policy creation.

14 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

news John Ruggie, the former Special Representative on Human Rights and Business for the United Nations Secretary-General speaking about the guiding principles he developed.

Mike Pinder

and community groups. Currently, civil society is only mentioned in the Guiding Principles with respect to implementation of effective grievance

November 2011 | 15

volvo.com atlascopco.ca ekn.se sek.se

news Mining conference cultivates sustainable thinking Reinforcing the Swedish-Canadian alliance By Krystyna Lagowski

Courtesy of Atlas Copco

GIVING BACK

Courtesy of UNB/Rob Blanchard

16 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 6, No. 7

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November 2011 | 17

news

mining.ca

On the campaign trail MAC rallies government support with clever mining endorsements By H. B. George If you are travelling to Ottawa this fall, you might notice the mining industry’s presence in more ways than one – at least, that is what the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is hoping. MAC has released a new marketing campaign across the city with the slogan, “Before it’s yours, it’s mined,” to remind the public of the industry’s broad reach. The campaign is timed to coincide with Ottawa’s Mining Day on the Hill, an annual event that brings together mining industry representatives and federal decision-makers for a day of meetings. It aims to show the public the many facets of our world that are touched by the industry: from green energy and life-saving nutrition programs in Africa, to economic growth and everyday technology.