On January 15, 2015 the New Brunswick Branch of CIM hosted a technical evening in Fredericton. The evening commenced with a presentation by Ms. Gay Drescher of Dillon Consulting giving an Overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in the Province of New Brunswick. Ms. Drescher provided insight into the theory behind the EIA process within the province and an outline of how the provincial process interacts with the federal EIA process.

 

Mr. Dean Thibault, from Thibault and Associates Inc., then presented The Use of Dynamic Economic Models for Resource Development. Thibault & Associates Inc. have developed dynamic economic models to assess the economic viability of resource-based projects relative to feedstock characteristics, resource size (mine life) and processing requirements. Mr Thibault presented a brief overview of several models that they developed for base metals, precious metals, as well as manganese, tin and tungsten, speciality metals and oil shale. Their dynamic economic models have proved to be a valuable tool for project development planning, including the assessment of process development programs and selection of process technology, feedstock composition – process chemistry, mine plan operating and capital costs, process capital and operating costs, infrastructure costs, administrative costs, owner’s’ costs, alternative product markets, end user compliance and smelter schedules, working capital, sustaining capital and taxation.

 

Ms. Janice Zinck, one of CIM National Distinguished Lecturers for 2015, wrapped up the evening with a presentation on Green Mining Research and Technology Development. Because Canadian mining companies recognize that their social license to operate comes with responsibility for social and environmental stewardship green mining is playing an important role in the industry. Ms. Zinck provided a definition of Green mining (the development and application of technologies and processes that maximize environmental performance while maintaining competitiveness throughout the entire mining cycle from exploration through to post closure) followed by several examples of application of the technologies and a forecast for the future of green mining.

 

Over 40 students, faculty, regulators, consultants, industry and prospectors enjoyed the presentations.