New Brunswick signed an exploration agreement with Regeneration Enterprises on Monday, Oct. 26, to assess metal recovery from waste at the former Nigadoo mine, a project that could link restoration funding to commercial viability.
Regeneration says it sells minerals recovered from mine waste and directs some proceeds toward restoration. Global News reported that Regeneration expects to reach a decision about the project's financial viability within a year.
Regeneration’s Michael McPhie said recovered metals could help pay for restoration and reduce reliance on public funding, Global News reported. The Canadian Press reported that McPhie named zinc, lead, germanium, gallium, indium, silver and copper as possible metals at the site.
Global News reported that processing could begin in two to three years if the project proves viable and receives approvals. That timing is conditional on the financial assessment and regulatory steps.
The province said no provincial money was going into exploration at the time and did not rule out future support, Global News reported. The Canadian Press reported that McPhie said Regeneration was not seeking provincial funding at any stage.
Beverly Gingras, executive director of the Conservation Council of NB, told Global News that restoration could benefit a damaged site, while reprocessing might disturb heavy metals and allow them to reach watersheds. She also raised the question of who would pay if environmental problems followed.
New Brunswick’s general mining roadmap describes environmental assessment, permitting, First Nations consultation and financial security for reclamation and post-closure work. The roadmap does not identify which requirements apply to the Nigadoo project.
The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources examined closure options and the safety of some structures at the Nigadoo tailings impoundment, its 2010-11 annual report said.
