MINING IN NORTHERN CANADA - EXPANDING THE INDUSTRY WHILE PROTECTING ARCTIC FISHES - A REVIEW

Northern Canada has a long tradition of mining activity with a poor re cord of environmental protection. Pollution is acknowledged as the big gest issue currently facing the mining industry. The arctic and subarc tic fishes of this region are very sensitive to heavy metals, trace el ements, and other contaminants in mine wastes. High sensitivity, combi ned with an inherently low capacity for recovery, make this aquatic re source particularly vulnerable to impacts. At least 22 fish species wi th major commercial, recreational, or subsistence value may be affecte d as the mining industry expands. The number of mines in northern Cana da is steadily increasing and a metals-mining boom is expected to take place during the next decade. Prudent planning based on comprehensive mine-site evaluation, biological risk assessment, and research is ess ential to reduce the threat of environmental damage. There are several progressive mining techniques that can help make mining compatible wi th sensitive northern fisheries while also maintaining the profitabili ty acid growth of the mining industry. Thus far, this technology has b een used very little in northern Canada. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.