GIANT MINE REMEDIATION PROJECT

PROJECT PROFILE

The Giant Mine site, located near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is a historic gold mining operation that has been the focus of significant remediation efforts due to its environmental legacy. The site, which ceased operations in the early 2000s, is now undergoing extensive cleanup to address contamination, particularly arsenic trioxide, and restore the surrounding environment. KBL Environmental, in partnership with Det’on Cho Corporation under the Joint Venture – True North Environmental (TNE), has been a key player in these remediation efforts, contributing to various projects aimed at environmental restoration, safety enhancement, and community development.

Legacy Pile Debris Removal: TNE has been actively involved in the demolition and remediation of legacy piles at the Giant Mine site. These piles consist of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials left from the mine’s operational days. Our team has successfully sorted, cleaned, removed, and disposed of these materials, ensuring that the site is safer and more environmentally sound. This project is a crucial part of the overall Giant Mine Remediation Project, highlighting our capability to manage and mitigate complex environmental challenges.

Giant Mine Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility and Non-Hazardous Waste Landfill Operations: Operating the hazardous waste transfer station and the non-hazardous waste landfill at Giant Mine, TNE has ensured the proper handling and disposal of various non hazardous waste types at both facilities. This involves meticulous sorting, categorization, and management of waste materials to prevent environmental contamination. Our operation of these facilities underscores our commitment to maintaining high environmental standards and ensuring safe waste management practices at the site. All hazardous waste is brought off site to KBL Environmental’s Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility located within the City of Yellowknife limits.

Ground and Surface Water Monitoring: In collaboration with BluMetric Environmental, TNE was awarded the contract to conduct comprehensive ground and surface water monitoring for the Giant Mine Remediation Project. Our responsibilities include on-site sampling and data collection, while BluMetric manages project oversight and data analysis. This monitoring is critical due to the high arsenic levels present, requiring stringent QA/QC procedures to ensure accurate and reliable data. Our efforts have been instrumental in tracking and mitigating water contamination, contributing significantly to the site’s overall remediation strategy.

5-Year Environmental Monitoring MSA: TNE holds a long-term Master Service Agreement with Parsons Inc. to conduct environmental monitoring at the Giant Mine site. This agreement covers a wide range of activities, including soil sampling, emergency response, and wildlife/environmental monitoring. Our work under this MSA ensures continuous oversight and adaptive management of the site’s environmental health, reinforcing our long-term commitment to its remediation and sustainable future.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

Key Achievements

• Successful Remediation and Contract Completion: Since 2021, KBL Environmental, through TNE, has completed multiple contracts with a total value exceeding $15M. Notable projects include the removal of legacy pile debris, operation of hazardous waste transfer stations, and landfill management. These projects have not only addressed critical environmental issues but have also contributed to the overall safety and sustainability of the Giant Mine site.
• Indigenous Employment and Training: KBL Environmental and TNE have exceeded employment, procurement, and training targets for local Indigenous populations. Our initiatives have successfully engaged and trained local Indigenous staff, with many advancing to leadership roles within the projects. This commitment to Indigenous employment and training has fostered strong community relationships and contributed to the economic development of the region.
• Environmental and Safety Excellence: A rigorous QA/QC program has been implemented to ensure sample integrity and adherence to regulatory standards. This program includes comprehensive SOPs and QC Sampling Plans, ensuring that all technical aspects of the projects are geared toward maintaining high data quality and meeting regulatory requirements. Notably, TNE has maintained a record of zero Lost Time Incidents (LTI) across all projects, underscoring our commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Challenges and Solutions

• Remote Site and Extreme Weather: The Giant Mine site is located in a remote area with harsh weather conditions, creating logistical challenges for transportation, communication, and on-site operations. To address these challenges, TNE implemented robust logistical plans, including the use of wildlife monitors, effective communication strategies, and adaptive scheduling to ensure continuous and safe project execution. These measures have enabled us to maintain high standards of safety and efficiency despite the site’s challenging conditions.
• Technical and Environmental Monitoring: High arsenic levels and the need for specialized deep well monitoring required stringent health and safety protocols and sophisticated sampling techniques. TNE developed detailed SOPs and QC Sampling Plans to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and maintain high data quality standards. These efforts have been crucial in managing the complex environmental monitoring requirements of the Giant Mine site.

INDIGENOUS OPPORTUNITIES CONSIDERATION

KBL Environmental, through True North Environmental (TNE), has made significant strides in meeting and exceeding Indigenous Opportunities Consideration (IOC) commitments at the Giant Mine site. Our approach has focused on maximizing Indigenous employment, training, and procurement to support the local community and foster sustainable development. Key actions and outcomes include:

• Employment: Successfully recruited and employed a significant number of local Indigenous workers, surpassing the targets set for employment. Indigenous staff have been integral to project teams, with many advancing to leadership roles, thus ensuring meaningful and long-term career development.
• Training: Exceeded training hours commitments by providing comprehensive training programs, including technical skills, project management, and health and safety protocols. Engaged local BEAHR trainees through job ads, school partnerships, and the Det’on Cho Management’s Job Creation and Capacity Building Program. Provided professional development training for Indigenous staff, such as Project Management and Microsoft Office skills, leading to the full-time employment of trainees.
• Procurement: Achieved and exceeded procurement targets, with a substantial portion of project resources and services being sourced from local Indigenous businesses. Maintained a procurement rate significantly higher than the commitment, demonstrating strong support for the local economy.
• Capacity Building: Fostered capacity building by integrating Indigenous staff into all aspects of the project, from field operations to data management and reporting. Exceeded Indigenous training and labour hours commitments within the first year of the contract, showcasing our dedication to providing ample opportunities for skill development and employment.

Through these initiatives, KBL Environmental has not only met but significantly exceeded our IOC commitments, demonstrating our commitment to the local Indigenous community and setting a benchmark for future projects.