Where some see challenges, we see a new beginning

VISIT wspgroup.ca

EN FR

Toggle social icons

Home

WHERE SOME SEE CHALLENGES

WE SEE A NEW BEGINNING

Decommissioning an 80km2 copper mine and rehabilitating the environment is no easy feat. Our team rose to the challenge, bringing home the coveted Schreyer Award for engineering excellence in the process.

Next screen

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

GASPÉ MINE REHABILITATION

10000 SAMPLES COLLECTED

736 REHABILITATED PROPERTIES

650000 REHABILITATED

670411 HOURS WITH NO LOST TIME INCIDENT

100 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

6240 water channels created

5130 tonnes of hazardous waste

30850 Tonnes of recycled steel

46 permits obtained

Next screen

Environmental engineers Carl Gauthier and Kateri Normandeau had the biggest challenge of their careers ahead of them. See how their expertise allowed them to overcome seemingly impossible odds.

playwatch the story

Close video

Next screen

project slideshow

See how we transformed an old mining site into an outdoor destination

1 / 27

Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.

2 / 27

Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.

3 / 27

Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.

4 / 27

Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.

5 / 27

The mine site camp in Murdoch becomes Murdochville in July 1953. Over 900 people worked at the site and 300 houses were built.

6 / 27

View of Murdochville and the mine site before rehabilitation work began.

7 / 27

Dismantling of the Copper Smelter (2007).

8 / 27

Dismantling of the Copper Smelter (2008).

9 / 27

Sampling technicians conducting material characterization work.

10 / 27

Dismantling of the facility continues.

11 / 27

Sorting debris to recycle.

12 / 27

Loading materials to be recycled (steel).

13 / 27

Cleaning tailings affected by the bunker.

14 / 27

Sampling technician conducting site characterization work.

15 / 27

Sampling the roof of the concentrator.

16 / 27

Biotreatment of materials affected by petroleum hydrocarbons.

17 / 27

Topsoil for vegetation of the affected soil is used as material to cover up tailings management facilities.

18 / 27

Construction of sedimentation basins.

19 / 27

Floodway flowing into the pit. Partial view of a diversion ditch (2009).

20 / 27

Construction of the Needle Creek floodway.

21 / 27

Soil remediation of wooded area in Gaspe.

22 / 27

Mine site, at the end of the construction.

23 / 27

Restoration of a residential lot in Murdochville.

24 / 27

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a sunny day in the hills surrounding the old mining site. Credit: Town of Murdochville

25 / 27

Hikers take in the view of Murdochville and the surrounding hills. Credit: Town of Murdochville

26 / 27

A picnic table provides climbers a great spot to rest and enjoy the views. Credit: Town of Murdochville

27 / 27

A view of the rehabilitated site. Credit: Town of Murdochville

Next screen

VIEW A SELECTION OF other challenges we've overcome

Next screen

WHERE SOME SEE CHALLENGES

WE SEE A NEW BEGINNING

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

GASPÉ MINE REHABILITATION

See how we transformed an old mining site into an outdoor destination

VIEW A SELECTION OF other challenges we've overcome

WHERE SOME SEE CHALLENGES

WE SEE A LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS