Approaches for the Remediation of Abandoned Mines and NOAMI

Abstract

The National Orphaned/Abandoned Mines Initiative (NOAMI) was established in 2002. The multistakeholder nature of NOAMI has provided a uniquely Canadian opportunity for governments, non-governmental organisations, Aboriginal Canadians and the mining industry to discuss issues and barriers associated with the clean-up and remediation of orphaned and abandoned mine sites. This convergence of interests and mutual commitment to progress has fostered the success of this internationally recognized approach to influencing public policy and addressing issues of common concern.Over the past 5 years, NOAMI has been working diligently to influence policy and build capacity in Canada to address these issues. Various workshops, conferences and publications have provided the background information, analysis and network building that have driven the agenda forward. During this time, there has also been a substantial increase in remedial activities carried out by the jurisdictions across Canada. This paper provides a five-year summary of NOAMI’s efforts and an overview of the remedial activities in the Canadian jurisdictions. The jurisdictional highlights feature many of the different approaches and partnerships employed across Canada.The paper also includes several international case studies of novel regeneration projects completed on legacy sites.