Taseko Mines’ Gibraltar Mine has received a Metal Mine Reclamation award from the British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation.
A press release says that at TRCR’s 36th annual B.C. Mine Reclamation Awards in Kamloops, Gibraltar was recognized for its large-scale reclamation projects and progressive reclamation research trials.
Projects included a joint a initiative with the Ministry of Forests for a pine tree establishment research program, research using biosolids from Metro Vancouver, and wood chips to reclaim the tailings areas, and the establishment of pilot wetland to monitor the capabilities in treating tailings.
“Gibraltar Mine was recognized for demonstrating a forward-looking approach to reclamation that will set the stage for future reclamation successes,” says Kim Bellafontaine of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, in the release. “They were commended for the work being done to review previous reclamation efforts, as well as for initiating large-scale trials to assess innovation methods for reclaiming large areas of the sand dam and waste rock dumps.”
Russell Hallbauer, president and CEO of Taseko, says a proactive approach to reclamation is a focus at Gibraltar.
“This award demonstrates the ongoing efforts of our environmental team and illustrates our company’s dedication to responsible mining,” Hallbauer says.
“We would like to also recognize the local Xat’sull First Nations reclamation crew for their work on many of these projects. Their participation helped contribute to the success of Gibraltar’s reclamation program.”
The British Columbia TRCR is a committee of individuals from mining corporations, associations, and government, including the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Environment, the Mining Association of British Columbia, the Association of Mineral Exploration BC and British Columbia universities and colleges.
The committee’s objective is to increase communications between government and industry in the area of environmental protection and reclamation associated with mining.