The Ruby Creek Molybdenum Project has recently received an Environmental Certification from the British Columbia government. Here are links to some of the more interesting supporting documents.

Water Quality Modelling. This is a major (over 160-page) document that provides considerable detail of the operational and post-closure mine water balances and water quality impacts.

Alternatives Assessment Report. This 40-page document is fascinating reading simply to see the details regarding thickened tailings, paste tailings, filtered, dry tailings, and conventional disposal.

Acid Rock Drainage. At over 225 pages there is a vast amount of data that leads to these conclusions:

  • Potential ARD minerals such as sulphides are generally present in low quantities although higher sulphide zones exist near the Adera fault and in the south-eastern corner of the proposed pit.
  • The ABA and multielement character of each lithology indicate a generally low potential for ARD although this potential increases where total sulphur exceeds 0.1%.
  • Some waste rock with higher sulphide content has been found..
  • The proposed tailings samples have low ARD potential.
  • Recently sampled, 36 year old, tailings pore waters are elevated in Al, F, Cd, Cu and Zn whereas tailings aging tests show these elements gradually decreasing in concentration..
  • The static geochemistry of probable roadcut material has a very low ARD potential but may potentially liberate low As levels.
  • The geochemistry of the primarily residual overburden shows low ARD and ML potential.
  • Effective mitigation procedures have been developed to deal with the permanent storage of PAG material under water.
  • Effective mitigation procedures have been developed in order to deal with the unforseen development of ARD in material such as low grade ore or residual pit wall material.

Here are the commitments made regarding acid generating materials:

  • The Proponent will segregate acid generating from non-potential acid generating waste rock, and will submerge potential acid generating rock in the tailings impoundment.
  • In the event of a premature or temporary closure, the Proponent will implement appropriate mitigation to avoid acid rock drainage, unless conclusive evidence is presented to show that all of the low grade ore on-site is non-potential acid generating.
  • By mine closure the low grade ore will either be milled or, should cost considerations require it, be returned to the pit and submerged.
  • Waste rock dumps will be capped at closure to reduce water infiltration.
  • In the event that water quality does not meet the objectives for parameters of concern established through consultation with the Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Environment and Environment Canada, the Proponent will treat water prior to release to the receiving environment.
  • Additional mitigation, including effluent treatment if necessary, will be ensured to meet water quality objectives.
There is a lot more at the BC Environmental Assessment Office website. I printed out the Environmental Assessment Certificate for everything is sideways and I cannot turn my computer screen.