Tools for risk identification and validation of the effects of elements in Northern Canadian ecosystems (TRIVALENCE)

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Canadians are global leaders in mining innovation and this also extends to developing the science needed for environmental sustainability and a commitment to responsible management in the mining sector. Central to this commitment to sustainability is the need for strong science-based regulatory approaches supported by leading-edge research. Canada's North holds abundant mineral resources. In the next decade, exploration & development are expected to significantly increase, with a promise of economic benefits for communities. These northern environments are also pristine and are generally considered fragile. Therefore a key aspect of developing these mineral resources is to understand the potential for environmental impacts. There are significant gaps in the scientific knowledge needed for assessing risk in northern environments and this is particularly the case for metals for which geochemistry and toxicology information is lacking. The "Tools for Risk Identification and Validation of the Effects of Elements in Northern Canadian Environments" project will bring together a team of researchers with extensive experience and knowledge on the geochemistry and toxicology of metals in aquatic environments. In partnership with industry and government regulators the team will provide novel, science-based understandings on data poor metals. With a focus on northern ecosystems, this work addresses critical gaps in quantifying the risk associated with the upcoming development of northern mineral resources. The students (29 of them) that will be trained through this project will develop expertise and knowledge that will allow them to contribute to the protection of Canadian environments over the long term.