Using an Eco-Engineered Bioreactor to Reduce Contaminants of Concern in Mine Tailings

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This project, entitled "Using an Eco-Engineered Bioreactor to Reduce Contaminants of Concern in Mine Tailings" is a continuation of the collaborative research and development between Newmont Canada Limited (Newmont) and Fleming College's Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT). Newmont operates the now-closed Golden Giant Mine and its associated 88 hectare tailings storage facility near the town of Marathon, Ontario. Under the terms of a Closure Plan, Newmont is responsible for the mine's tailings storage facility and the associated groundwater collection systems and wastewater treatment plant. Since 2017, Newmont has been working with the CAWT to design and build a full-scale eco-engineered bioreactor (EEB) system-a highly advanced wastewater treatment technology. The EEB system would replace the less economic and environmentally sound onsite wastewater treatment plant currently in use. Before putting a full-scale EEB system into commission, Newmont must evaluate a demonstration-scale system for a period of two to five years. This project aims to scale-up the current pilot-scale test unit to the demonstration level, resulting in an EEB system that can reduce contaminants of concern to meet provincial water quality criteria. The positive environmental impact of using EEB systems as alternatives to active wastewater treatment processes will benefit communities in proximity to mine sites as well as closure practices throughout the sector.