Environmental Impact of mine waste interactions with permafrost

该研究计划将调查相关系，反应机制，化学变化，以及观察到的水合硫酸盐矿物和水合碳酸盐矿物的自然协会，因为它们发生在加拿大北极地区永久冻土存在。与过去相比，通过海洋更容易获得矿藏。如果我们要尽量减少对当地生态系统的影响，就需要了解开采这些矿床的影响以及在永久冻土区产生的废物。在经历冻融循环或封闭在永久冻土中的矿山废物中发生的反应没有得到很好的研究。这些反应将通过实验室实验和现场观察相结合的方式进行研究，这些反应非常活跃的矿物涉及稳定性和反应机制。实地研究将通过研究1）天然铁帽矿床和2）受采矿勘探扰动但未开采的矿床，调查永久冻土中或附近的反应。研究自然的、未受干扰的矿体提供了一个长期的实验，因为这些缓慢的低温反应自末次冰川消退以来一直在进行。实地考察将由研究生进行，并由本科生和附近社区的当地学生提供支持。美国宇航局的凤凰号着陆器发现了火星表面以下的永久冻土，这项申请中提出的工作与这种情况下的硫酸盐矿物反应直接相关。要求提供北方补充资金，以帮助支付研究生前往北方有商业服务的机场的机票费用。在访问这些社区期间，将与社区长老讨论并听取他们对北部采矿影响的意见。还要求提供资金，支持奥罗拉学院学生参与因纽维克的活动。通过一个外联方案，皇后大学的研究人员将参加奥罗拉学院的环境和自然资源技术方案，提供材料，并就采矿对环境的影响提供指导。

This research program will investigate the phase relationships, reaction mechanisms, chemical variations, and observed natural associations of hydrated sulfate minerals and hydrated carbonate minerals as they occur in regions of the Canadian Arctic where permafrost exists. Mineral deposits are more accessible by sea than in the past. The impact of mining these deposits, and the waste that is generated in permafrost regions needs to be understood if we are to minimize the effects on the local ecosystem. The reactions that occur within mine waste that undergo freeze-thaw cycles or that are enclosed in permafrost are not well studied. These reactions will be investigated through a combination of laboratory experiments on, and field observations of, the stability and reaction mechanisms that involve these very reactive minerals. Field studies will investigate the reactions in or near permafrost by studying 1) natural gossan deposits and 2) ore deposits disturbed by mining exploration but not exploited. Studying natural, undisturbed ore bodies provides a long-term experiment as these sluggish low- temperature reactions have been progressing since the retreat of the last glaciation. The fieldwork will be conducted by graduate students and supported by undergraduate students and local students from the nearby communities. The NASA lander Phoenix discovered permafrost just below the Martian surface and the work proposed in this application has direct relevance to sulfate mineral reactions in such a situation. Northern Supplement funds are requested to help defray the costs of air travel of graduate students to commercially serviced airports in the north. Community participation with Elders to discuss and hear their views on the impact of mining in the North will take place during the visits to these communities. Funds are also requested to support the involvement of Aurora College students in Inuvik. Through an outreach program, researchers from Queen's University will participate in the Environmental and Natural Resources Technology Program at Aurora College, provide materials, and offer instruction on the environmental impact of mining.