The Faro mine was once one of the world’s largest lead and zinc mines. The mine closed in 1998, when the operator became insolvent, leaving behind a legacy of 320 million tonnes of acid-generating waste rock and 57 million tonnes of acid-generating tailings. At that time, the federal government assumed responsibility for the site, including managing the site to limit off-site impacts until a closure plan can be designed and implemented.
SRK’s involvement in closure planning began during the mine operations in the 1980s. Today, SRK leads an expert team that brings together both scientific disciplines (such as geochemistry, hydrology, and revegetation) and engineering disciplines (such as civil, geotechnical, hydrotechnical, water resources, and water treatment). This expert team must consider the long-term future of the site, including the challenges posed by a changing climate and thawing permafrost. Our primary role is to develop the engineering designs necessary to advance the Faro Mine Remediation Plan through regulatory and early implementation phases and to prepare for the full-scale remedial works necessary to mitigate long-term environmental risks. We also provide expert support to site management in areas of geochemical characterisation, water management, and design of interim remedial works.
