In our editorial content for this journal, we are expanding the discussion of environmental issues relating to mining and other resources industry. As such we are publishing a higher percentage of refereed papers on a variety of topics relating to environment.
This time we wish to report on a Canadian initiative existing for over two decades. The information given below is taken ad-verbatim from the website of this program known as Mine Environment Neutral Drainage program (http:// mend-nedem.org).
Acid drainage is the largest environmental liability facing the Canadian and international mining industry. Since 1989, the Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) program has worked to develop technologies to prevent and control acidic drainage. The Program is directed by a multi-stakeholder committee, with members from the mining industry, federal and provincial governments, and non-government organisations. Tremendous technical progress has been made in the areas of prediction and modelling, prevention and control, disposal technologies, lime treatment, passive treatment and monitoring and verification of technologies.
In 2002, a renewed MEND initiative was created that focussed on Canadian national and/or regional information needs. A network of Canadian experts helped to identify the top priorities that included verification of full-scale mitigation technologies, closure management, early prediction, neutral and alkaline pH drainage, sludge management, passive treatment, and cold temperature effects. Strong emphasis was placed on the need for case studies, guidance documents and technology transfer activities.
As the website states, ‘the priorities provided the framework the framework for a multi-year research plan, and serves as the basis for the annual work plan. While the earlier MEND work related to control and limitation of liabilities, there has been a broadening of the program's mandate to include other environmental and sustainable development issues. Strong linkages were forged among MEND and international industry and government programs. MEND is the Canadian partner in the Global Alliance (GA), an international partnership among organisations involved in acidic drainage research that is led by the International Network for Acid Prevention.'
To obtain information on MEND please go to their website: www.mend-nedem.org. Additional information can also be obtained from Gilles A. Tremblay, Manager, Mine Closure and Ecosystem Risk Management ([email protected]).
Another item of interest is the massive 11 March 2011 9.0 earthquake off Japan which triggered a tsunami resulting in massive damage to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility as well as evacuation of some 80,000 people. Since then many countries are reviewing their plans for either stalling, eliminating or expanding nuclear power. Germany is the first country deciding to abandon nuclear power in favour of renewable energy. It will phase out its 17 nuclear reactors. On the other hand, India is committed to developing nuclear power. At present India is highly dependent on coal and crude oil. By 2013 India is planning to construct one of the world's biggest nuclear facilities at Jaitapur in Maharashtra state.