Mineralogical Characterization for Reducing the Environmental Impact of Mining Rare Metals

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The objective of my research program is to characterize the minerals or compounds that contain potentially hazardous metals in mine tailings, waste rock and contaminated dust, soils and sediments. By direct and quantitative identification of the host metal species, particle size and texture, I can predict whether metals will be released to the aquatic environment or retained in the solid waste in the form of secondary minerals. The results of this research will improve risk assessment and remediation design for proposed, operating and orphaned mines in Canada, especially in the Canadian North where much of the fieldwork will occur. The results will be useful to decision-makers such as government regulators, environmental consultants, mining companies, and nearby communities including First Nations. The broader scientific application is the clarification of the risk to human and ecological health associated with mine waste, and prediction of the long-term stability of these materials in the environment.