Scientists and mining industry come together for environmental conference.

Up to 500 people across a variety of sectors from around the world are expected to attend this fall's Mining and the Environment International Conference, to be held from October 19 to 27 at Sudbury's Laurentian University.

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Held in 1995, 1999 and 2003, the previous three events have each attracted nearly 400 attendees, though expectations have been heightened this year as mining continues to gain global interest.

"Sudbury is the mining centre of the world, and it only makes sense to have this here," says Elizabeth Bamberger, one of the event organizers.

"Plus with all the tremendous strides companies like CVRD-Inco and Xstrata have taken for environmental remediation, there's a wealth of experience here."

The conference tackles the issues between worldwide mining and the environment and is one of two venues internationally. The other exists in Sweden every four years.

Bamberger suggests climate change issues will only become more pressing for mining companies as time goes on, leading to problems some may not anticipate.

"Less water is definitely in the future, and between 2025 and 2050, water shortages will be prevalent everywhere. Mining companies might be faced with the reality that there may sometimes be insufficient water to adequately cover their tailings, so they're going to have to be ready to adapt."

This year's theme is of overall sustainability in mining regarding the environment and communities.

The event will take place during the fall study week, meaning students will be away and organizers will be "taking over" Laurentian University for the duration. Fraser Auditorium and various lecture halls will host the speakers while the Great Hall, usually used as a cafeteria seating space, will host the trade show. Thirty-nine exhibitors from different environmental firms and government agencies are expected to be on hand to offer their wares and services with regards to environmental remediation and rehabilitation.

At the heart of the conference are three full days of presentations by scientists and environmental experts alike. Presentations will be held across three concurrent sessions, each with its own theme and plenary speaker. The "mining waters" session, detailing the effects mining activities have on various bodies of water and how the effects can be minimized, will be led by Edmonton's renowned water ecologist Dr. David Schindler. A focus on rehabilitation of mining environments will be kicked off by Bernd Lottermoser, of Australia's John Cooke University. Finally, Dr. Peter Chapman from British Columbia will head the session on risk assessment.

Though the choice of speeches throughout these sessions have yet to be determined, 140 papers have been received for consideration as of mid-July.

Nine short courses will also be offered through the initial weekend, with most requiring a $150 fee to attend. Included among these are a course on responsible tailings management from AMEC Earth & Environmental, a review of mine draining treatment options by Natural Resources Canada, and an overview of the key steps involved in submitting a mine closure plan in Ontario by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Laurentian's Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit is also putting on a special two-day course on how to use biomonitoring procedures to gauge the status of an ecosystem. At a cost of $250, the course will also be able to provide certification to those who successfully complete it, giving them access to national database and various analytical and reporting tools.

In keeping with the environmental theme, the speaker for the October 23 banquet is slated to be Elizabeth May, leader of the federal Green Party. Although the exact topic of discussion has yet to be confirmed, Bamberger suggests it's likely to tie into the overarching theme of environmentally-friendly mine remediation and rehabilitation.

Field trips to visit Sudbury and Timmins-area mines to witness remediation efforts past and present will also be available. A full day trip to examine the methods being used at the CVRD-Inco Copper Cliff tailings area and Xstrata Nickel's Strathcona tailings management systems in Onaping. Following the presentation sessions, attendees will be able to leave for a two-day tour to observe examples of remediation efforts throughout the North, including the abandoned Kam-Kotia mine in Timmins, various former Goldcorp Canada sites and Xstrata plc's Kidd Creek mine.

This examination of efforts to put many of the week's discussions into practice is key, Bamberger says, as it allows participants to share their experience and bring their own perspective to local developments.

"People want to be a part of this event, not only to participate in a knowledge transfer, but also to begin importing their own knowledge. It's an important facet of the conference."

With the popularity of the red-hot mining sector rising seemingly in tandem with the issue of climate change, events such as are gaining worldwide relevance, say organizers.

By NICK STEWART

Northern Ontario Business