MEKS – Their Beneficial Role in Environmental Assessments Peter Oram Conestoga-Rovers & Associates...
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Transcript of MEKS – Their Beneficial Role in Environmental Assessments Peter Oram Conestoga-Rovers & Associates...
MEKS – Their Beneficial Role in
Environmental Assessments
Peter OramConestoga-Rovers & Associates
Geology Matters 2013
Overview – Industry Perspective Who- Several providers – ask around
(Protocol!!) Where- Any site where there is to be land
disturbance What- Read the Protocol, read CEAA, read
NSE Guides When- Early as possible….but not too early Why- Top 3 Reasons1. Helps you plan a better project2. Builds value in a project3. Sends a message
Project Examples - Black Bull
Project Examples - Black Bull
Overview
Surface quartz project in SW NS First MEKS on a mining project in NS? 2 years of EBS data Large initial exploration footprint Provincial EA with some Federal involvement Known potential but little “on the ground” info Client wanted to know the “whole story” Integrated archaeology, MEKS and ecology teams
Project Examples – Black Bull
Beneficial Role in EA Process Helped diminish anxiety using facts –
locations of resources for example Showed seriousness of client to know the
whole picture Credibility with investors of conscious Leveled playing field with certain NGO
groups Community trust increased due to
transparency
Project Examples - Moose River
Project Examples - Moose River
Overview
Near 600,000 ounce gold deposit Larger footprint due to being a surface mine A “different beast” in terms of deposit models Long EBS period – close to 4 years Historical component important to client and
residents and local “communities” Integrated field teams Knew it would be a “hot and spicy one” – better
get all the data we can
Project Examples – Moose River
Beneficial Role in EA Process
Local knowledge base enhanced beyond historic mining related
All “communities” felt included Open site for visitors Used in planning for museum move Used in reclamation planning Moose Management Plan
Project Examples - Fundy Gypsum
Project Examples - Fundy Gypsum
Overview
Extension to existing surface mine Local area has over 200 years of gypsum
extraction Complex landscape – karst, 3 tidal rivers High profile Provincial EA with Federal involvement Client and gypsum industry in general likes
planning long term Contradictory “baseline”data
Project Examples – Fundy Gypsum
Beneficial Role in EA Process
Sent a message – ALL“communities” included Dispelled myths – travel routes, plant ecology Enhanced plants of importance database for
Mi’kmaq (Wisqoq in particular) Disturbance linkage for some healing plants Helped with historic land use research programs More data for long term planning Shareholder credibility
Home stretch……..
Take Away Messages Don’t do an MEKS unless you know why
you are doing one Know how they fit into the Made in Nova
Scotia Process, NS EAs, CEAA Use the data to show the whole story for a
site Document how you used the information Work on mitigation with the MEKS
provider
Thanks
Geology Matters Organizers Michael Cox Norma Prosper Don Julian Black Bull Resources DDV Gold/Atlantic Gold Fundy Gypsum (CGC Inc.)