DIGGING
FOR
ANSWERS
Video Information and Supplementary Materials/Activities
A Partnership Project Between The Mining Association of
British Columbia and The Coquitlam School District
Funding for this project was provided by the Mining Association
of British Columbia - through the Mineral Resources Education
Program of BC (now MineralsEd)
© 1998, 2006, 2012
Video Info and Supplementary Materials
Digging for Answers
Digging For Answers
Video Overview
Digging For Answers takes a unique look at mining, reclamation and related environmental
problems. Five highschool students investigate this controversial topic by visiting four operating
mines in British Columbia: Fording Coal, Line Creek Coal, Highland Valley Copper and Westmin’s
Myra Falls underground copper mine. In addition, they also visit a recently closed copper mine,
Afton Operating Corp. Discussions are held with a senior mining executive and an upper level
representative from the Provincial Government’s Inspection Branch.
The video is divided into nine sections. Each of these sections deals with the topic from a
slightly different angle at a different location.
1. Opinion
The students gather in an informal setting to determine what they know and what they would
like to know about mine site reclamation. There are a variety of opinions expressed, ranging
from a concern about wildlife habitat to understanding the importance of mining in our modern
lifestyle.
2. Executive
A visit with a senior mining executive at Teck Corporation head office answers some questions
about the role of head office in reclamation and environmental protection. Other issues are
raised as well: mining and the local community, Canada’s role internationally, and mining and
how it relates to government regulation. It is pointed out to the students that many of their
questions are best answered by a tour of the different mine sites.
3.
Reclamation
Fording River Coal, located in the Rockies, is the first mine visited. Here, the students get an
introduction to the scope of reclamation at a large operating mine: dust control, water quality
monitoring, replanting and elk habitat maintenance. They also get a first-hand view of Elkford, a
community whose existence is dependent on mining.
4.
Innovation
Each mine has its unique set of problems to overcome during reclamation and, therefore,
must be innovative in approach. Line Creek, a coal mine close to the Fording River, has a large
resident population of Big Horn sheep. Reclamation is focused toward maintaining sheep
habitat. Settling ponds used to control water quality and a conveyer belt for transporting coal
are also covered.
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Video Info and Supplementary Materials
Digging for Answers
5. Research
Mining reclamation is a relatively new activity and, as each new site has its own specific
problems, research is ongoing. Westmin’s Myra Falls operation is a mine located on the edge
of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Rainfall and snowfall are heavy here and, as
well, a river runs through the mine property, which is also adjacent to a large lake. Obviously,
water quality is an issue. Acid rock drainage (ARD) is a serious concern and different ways of
dealing with the problem are discussed.
6. Renew
Highland Valley Copper, one of the largest mines in North America presents a different set of
challenges. Its size and dry climate make it unique to Canada. Here, students discover that
tailings ponds no longer in use can be effectively turned in to fish habitat and that through the
use of biosolids, the surrounding land can be renewed.
7. Habitat
Afton is the only closed mine visited. It is located on a cattle ranch in central BC. And has an
abundance of wildlife. As a result, the habitat recreated by the mine must satisfy both local
and migratory wildlife, as well as support a commercial ranching venture. At Afton, the former
tailings pond is being turned into viable wetland and waste dumps are reclaimed with glacial till
and local grasses.
8. Regulation
To maintain a balanced approach, a senior government mine inspector is visited. The students
learn that government regulations and the Mines Act play an effective role in environmental
protection. The students express again their uncertainty that officials actually care about the
environment.
9. Conclusion
Through the first-hand observation and a variety of discussions, the five investigating students
reach some conclusions. In final agreement, they review what they have learned and state how
their preconceptions have changed.
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Video Info and Supplementary Materials
Digging for Answers
Supplementary Material and Students Activities Related to the Video
“DIGGING FOR ANSWERS”
The following information is intended for the discretionary use of classroom teachers as
they assist students in discussion and research on either the general topic of environmental
education or the specific topic of minesite reclamation.
Supplementary Print Material
A. Ministry documents are provided in the Social Studies 10 Mining Resource Unit or may be
obtained from the appropriate Ministry.
• The BC Environmental Assessment Act
• Acid Rock Drainage – http://technology.infomine.com/enviromine/
• Mineral Assessments in Protected Area Planning
B. Additional information regarding mining related news, events, and schools can be obtained
from the following websites.
• Mining Association of British Columbia
www.mining.bc.ca
• MineralsEd
www.mineralsed.ca
• BC Geological Survey – Geology and Mineral Information
www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/
• Association for Mineral Exploration BC
www.amebc.ca
• Geological Survey of Canada
http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php
• Coal Association of Canada
www.coal.ca
• University of British Columbia Mining Engineering Department
www.mining.ubc.ca
• British Columbia Institute of Technology Mining Technology Department
www.bcit.ca/construction/mining/
• Science North (Groundwork)
www.sciencenorth.on.ca/groundwork/
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Video Info and Supplementary Materials
Digging for Answers
Questions
Part 1
Question for discussion prior to viewing the video. This question could be the focus of
individual, small group or full class exploration.
“If the development of a mine was proposed in your community, what would be your
questions or concerns? Consider as many possible sides of this issue as you can.”
Part 2
Questions to be answered while the video is in progress. The answers to these questions are
in order of occurrence and are intended to be short answers. Questions should be reviewed
with the students prior to the beginning.
1. List three concerns the students had the opening of the video.
2. List two ways in which mining companies are regulated from an environmental standpoint.
3. What two activities carried out at Fording River Coal are necessary to protect the
environment?
4. What environmental purpose does the conveyor belt at the Line Creek Mine serve?
5. Why does the Myra Falls minesite use a helicopter?
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Video Info and Supplementary Materials
Digging for Answers
6. What are biosolids used for?
7. Once reclaimed the Afton mine tailings pond, what will be their end use?
8. According to Manager of Reclamation and Permitting for the BC Ministry of Energy and
Mines, what are two reasons that mines reclaim land?
9. What were two things that stood out in the students’ minds as they carried out their
investigations?
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Video Info and Supplementary Materials
Digging for Answers
Part 3
Some suggested questions for further discussion or in-depth research. Again, the approach
could be individual, small group, or full class involvement.
1. What is ARD (sometimes known as AMD)? What are the problems associated with it? In
what ways is it controlled? What are the mining company’s responsibilities in this area?
2. How do you feel about Ryan’s vision of life without mining?
3. What are the responsibilities that Canadian mining companies have toward the
environment, both at home and in other parts of the world?
4. The Sr. Vice President of Mining for Teck Corporation states, that governments aren’t too
strict, but the permitting process takes too long. What are your views?
5. Describe in general the environmental standards in mining in B.C. Research further those in
forestry and the resource industries.
6. A recurring question throughout the video is: “Do the people involved in the mining industry
really care about the environment?” Discuss.
7. In order to apply for a development permit, what areas of the environment must a mining
company consider?
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Video Info and Supplementary Materials
Digging for Answers
8. Describe in detail what goes into a mine reclamation plan.
9. How has the Myra Falls operation tried to deal with the added responsibility of mining on
the edge of a Provincial Park?
10.Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of the use of biosolids.
11.A ranch co-exists with a mine at Afton. What other activities might coexist with mining?
12.What is the government’s role in protecting the environment at minesites? Be specific.
13.Research the history of mine reclamation in B.C. from the early days of mining to the
present. What problems are yet to be solved? What progress has been made?
14.Environmental problems at minesites are often said to be site specific. What does this
mean? Cite examples.
15.Can industry coexist with the natural environment? Explain.
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