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.
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.
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.
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Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.
Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.
Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.
Preparing the mine and metallurgical site circa 1951.
The mine site camp in Murdoch becomes Murdochville in July 1953. Over 900 people worked at the site and 300 houses were built.
View of Murdochville and the mine site before rehabilitation work began.
Dismantling of the Copper Smelter (2007).
Dismantling of the Copper Smelter (2008).
Sampling technicians conducting material characterization work.
Dismantling of the facility continues.
Sorting debris to recycle.
Loading materials to be recycled (steel).
Cleaning tailings affected by the bunker.
Sampling technician conducting site characterization work.
Sampling the roof of the concentrator.
Biotreatment of materials affected by petroleum hydrocarbons.
Topsoil for vegetation of the affected soil is used as material to cover up tailings management facilities.
Construction of sedimentation basins.
Floodway flowing into the pit. Partial view of a diversion ditch (2009).
Construction of the Needle Creek floodway.
Soil remediation of wooded area in Gaspe.
Mine site, at the end of the construction.
Restoration of a residential lot in Murdochville.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a sunny day in the hills surrounding the old mining site. Credit: Town of Murdochville
Hikers take in the view of Murdochville and the surrounding hills. Credit: Town of Murdochville
A picnic table provides climbers a great spot to rest and enjoy the views. Credit: Town of Murdochville
A view of the rehabilitated site. Credit: Town of Murdochville
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