A recent study conducted by Dalhousie University has highlighted deficiencies in the environmental assessment process for mining ventures in Canada. The research revealed that approximately 20% of the projects analyzed had incomplete or entirely missing data in public records.
The investigation involved gathering all available environmental impact assessments for mining projects dating back to 1974, encompassing 266 assessments related to 227 projects spanning five decades. However, researchers encountered challenges as some provinces, like British Columbia, had a well-organized digital system, while records in other regions were difficult to access or non-existent.
The absence of comprehensive data from environmental assessments hinders researchers from accurately evaluating the impact of mines on surrounding communities. It also prevents regulators from establishing a baseline to measure environmental harm.
Alana Westwood, the lead author of the report, emphasized the concept of “cumulative effects” where pollution or contamination from mining activities can escalate over time, potentially reaching hazardous levels. She pointed out that surpassing certain thresholds could result in species extinction or severe groundwater contamination, leaving communities without access to clean water.
In a notable instance, researchers requested access to environmental assessments conducted in Nova Scotia before 2000. However, the manual recording of assessments prior to 2000 led to a prohibitive fee estimate of $6,000, making it unfeasible for the researchers to proceed due to funding constraints and time limitations.
The study also revealed discrepancies between provincial and federal environmental assessments for the same projects in two-thirds of the cases examined. Misalignment in the assessments, focusing on different aspects of the projects or utilizing varied terminology, complicates researchers’ efforts to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental risks associated with mining operations.
While Canada’s mining industry plays a significant role in the economy, accounting for approximately six percent of the national GDP, the report underscored the presence of over 10,000 abandoned mines across the country that continue to pose environmental risks without proper oversight.
Researchers Westwood and Collison emphasized the importance of utilizing environmental assessments effectively in mining projects. They called for improved alignment between provincial and federal authorities on the scope of project studies and necessary actions. Additionally, they cautioned against potential dilution of regulations when expediting or streamlining provincial and federal analyses, as such actions could lead to decisions lacking evidence-based support.
The researchers have made their report publicly accessible and searchable, aiming to encourage collaboration among provinces to enhance environmental assessments and ensure better environmental protection in mining projects.
