Discovery Mine Remediation

History

Discovery Mine was an abandoned gold mine located on the western shore of Giauque Lake, approximately 80 km northeast of Yellowknife. The mine operated from 1949 to 1969 and at the time was one of the most profitable gold mines in the country.

An aerial shot shows several rows of core samples and a low building, separated by trees. Forest burnt by the 2014 forest fires is visible behind the structures.
Core samples are housed near Building 54. Core samples are pieces of rock excavated during operation to determine the composition of the rock. These are the only structures left at the Discovery Mine site. Evidence of the 2014 forest fires can be seen behind the core samples.

Remediation Progress

1998-2000
The preliminary phase of remediation was conducted. Routine environmental and geotechnical monitoring began with the end of the first phase of remediation. This short-term monitoring program ensured site conditions remained stable.
2005
The bulk of the first phase remedial activities were carried out. The Phase I post-remediation Long Term Monitoring Plan was developed.
2006-2010
Year 1 to year 5 of monitoring was carried out annually post-remediation. Following the Phase I Long Term Monitoring Plan, this program included biannual geotechnical monitoring, water quality, terrestrial and aquatic assessments.
2008
The second phase of remediation of the Discovery Mine site was completed. This included sealing mine openings, decommissioning all the site buildings, addressing contaminated soil, stabilizing the borrow pit, and removal of hazardous waste.
2010
A Comprehensive Remediation Performance Assessment Report was completed, which included a performance review of the geotechnical, water quality, terrestrial, and aquatic conditions on site. Based on this report, an interim monitoring plan was developed for future use.
2011-2015
Interim monitoring took place every second year, for a total of 3 interim monitoring events.
2015
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) completed a site inspection to assess the site conditions after a forest fire passed through the site in 2014.
2016
A Phase II Long Term Monitoring Plan is being developed and implemented for the year 10 sampling event scheduled to take place this fall.

An aerial shot of boulders placed in a circle on flat ground.
In an underground mine, a pillar is a column of ore that is left to support material overlying an excavation to make sure that it does not collapse. The crown pillar is the solid surface layer of bedrock that covers and supports the excavation area. At Discovery Mine, boulders were put in place to prevent heavy machinery from crossing the crown pillar so that it does not collapse under their weight.

More Information

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) issued the Water Licence and Land Use Permits required to conduct the remediation activities at Discovery Mine. The regulatory requirements required for these permits have all been met and are now closed. CIRNAC has reviewed the recommendations and monitoring results from the Performance Assessment Reports and is developing a Phase II long-term monitoring plan at a reduced scope and frequency for the site, given the reduced risks. Once the Phase II Long Term Monitoring Plan has been developed, the Discovery Mine Remediation Site will be monitored accordingly to continue verifying the environmental conditions onsite.

Remediation activities included:

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