Sustainable processing of Canadian sulphides

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Canada is one of the most important mining nations in the world, producing more than 60 minerals and metals. Mining and mineral processing has long been one of the country's key wealth generators. In 2014, the sector employed approximately 375,000 people and contributed $57 billion to Canada's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). One of the major sources of this mineral wealth is in base metal sulphides, which still require significant work to improve the sustainable extraction and separation of valuable minerals.This research proposal aims at generating new knowledge related to sulphide mineral processing, including the reagents used, environmental considerations, and the separation processes employed. Although the proposal is centred on sulphide deposits and operated by the industrial sponsors, the results will be applicable across several mineral deposits, not just those under investigation. The overall goals of this proposal are: 1) to train HQPs in mineral processing, an area vital to Canada's economy; 2) to conduct fundamental and multi-disciplinary research in mineral processing; 3) to meet the short to medium term research needs of the sponsors; and 4) to provide continuing education opportunities for sponsor personnel. The research covers environmental aspects, flotation, physical separations and mineralogy studies, which all link together to promote sustainable processing of Canada's sulphide deposits. This CRD project will provide the Canadian economy with 21 HQP that will be highly trained and ready to join the minerals industry. The skills HQP will acquire will make them competitive for a wide range of careers, including government (e.g. public policy and environment), industry or as entrepreneurs in their own companies. The mining industry as a whole will benefit from these developments to improve safety and to reduce the harmful impacts of mining on the environment.