Misconceptions re modern #gold #mining stem from historical mining practices that were not good enough. We agree mines 100-150 years ago were not properly managed, like most human activities back then. But historical sites have nothing to do with modern mining.
#nspoli #cbpoli
Most industries have unfortunate legacy issues. Govs have paid to clean up sites like the Sydney tar ponds, Amherst Aerospace and Trenton's Tibbetts Paints. Mining also has legacy issues but they date from another era. We take proper care of the environment today.
#nspoli #cbpoli
Modern mining is a sophisticated, science-based activity that takes proper care of the environment. Some people have questions about how we manage the environment, so below is information on some of the questions commonly raised.
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Before getting operating permits, companies must get government approval of reclamation plans and post reclamation bonds (money in escrow, basically) that ensure funds are available to properly take care of sites.
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Mine operators are required by law to monitor and test water, and report back to @nsgov. Water is usually recycled to reduce the amount used. Water released back into a river/lake is usually cleaner after it's been used in a mine or quarry than it was beforehand.
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Uranium and arsenic occur in all #NovaScotia rock. They are unstable and often leach naturally into groundwater. It's important to test wells for them. #Mining does not release #uranium and #arsenic or create a problem that did not already exist.
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Modern #gold mines do not use mercury. It’s an obsolete method of processing that is harmful to the environment. Mercury has not been used in #NovaScotia since the early 1900s.
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A #watershed is an area where all water drains into a common water body. The term just means a geographical area. All land is part of a watershed so virtually all human activities and infrastructure are in watersheds,ie homes, roads, schools, industrial sites, etc
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Modern mines even sometimes fix issues with sites by cleaning up historical tailings. For example, the #MooseRiver #gold mine has cleaned up historical tailings by placing them in a special cell and ensuring they can't continue interacting with the environment.
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