Mine Tailings Reclamation. Inco Limited’s Experience with the Reclaiming of Sulphide Tailings in the Sudbury Area, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

In 1975, an inventory of mine wastes throughout Canada was undertaken by the Canada Department of Mines, Energy and Resources. In all, 718 mine sites were assessed as to the area, type and vegetation cover associated with the waste material. It estimated that there were approximately 45,300 ha of land affected by waste rock, overburden or tailings (Murray, 1985). It is of interest to note that 7,300 ha or about 16% of this land had been revegetated to some extent. Studies indicate that approximately 9,000 ha (20%) of this total are sulphide tailings (Phinney 1984). The Copper Cliff Tailings Area of Inco Limited at Sudbury, Ontario, presently covers approximately 1,100 ha and is currently being expanded to cover double this area. In the Sudbury area, lnco Limited is involved in a progressively expanding program, initiated over 70 years ago, to modify the physical effects of mining, concentrating, smelting and refining on the local environment. Historically, the impact of the various facets of these operations, along with that oflumbering, has made Sudbury one of the most ecologically disturbed sites in Canada. The reclamation of these lands which have been subjected to various industrial stresses continues to progress. Inco Limited's experience in tailings reclamation and revegetation and the problems encountered is but one aspect of the total current program in the "Greening of Sudbury" which is underway.