In the North, some mines risk leaking acid if the permafrost melts, while across Canada heavier rainfall will add strain to tailings dams and a lack of it could throw operations.
"We've got, you know, tailings dams that are getting bigger and bigger at the same time as the climate risk is getting bigger," said Kneen. Climate change is changing that equation for some, as the uncertainties ahead mean that companies sometimes have to assume the worst possible scenarios. The company is looking at a range of adaptations elsewhere, such as to site access during wildfires, and skeleton-crew scenarios for when staff with kids can’t make it to work because schools are closed due to extreme heat. It's also considering more automated underground machines as higher temperatures make for tougher working conditions underground.
Disclosures show the wide range of actions companies are having to take on adaptation. Teck Resources Ltd. in its latest climate report noted that permafrost thaw is adding silt to the water at its Alaska operation that it needs to deal with, while in B.C. it is working on spring runoff management and flood mitigation projects. In Chile it's working on measures to use less water including the construction of a large-scale desalination plant at its QB2 project.
The growing push for adaptation is a contrast from only a decade ago when Natural Resources Canada started to ramp up consultations on the issue, said Pamela Kertland, a program manager in the department’s climate change impacts and adaptation division.Along with growing acceptance and data are improved planning tools, such as a how-to guide for adaptation put out by the Mining Association of Canada last year with financial support from the federal government.
Mines are absolutely necessary to provide the raw materials the world needs. You should all advocate for MORE mines in Canada as they are up to the highest environmental standards in the world. Instead we push mines into the 3rd world were there are little controls.