International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage (ICARD 2024): Our Highlights and Takeaways

The International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage (ICARD) has long been a premier event for environmental and mining professionals seeking to effectively and responsibly address one of the most critical challenges in the mining industry: acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD)/acid rock drainage (ARD). This year, the 13th ICARD, continued the tradition, bringing together global experts, researchers, and practitioners to share innovative solutions and discuss ongoing projects related to ARD and mine water management.

Last week, Okane was thrilled to attend the 13th ICARD in Halifax, Nova Scotia, engaging in expert and valuable discussions with presenters, exhibitors, and attendees from across the globe.

Short course with Integral Ecology Group

Our participation at ICARD 2024 began with a short course facilitated by our senior technical advisor, Mike O’Kane, and our principal technical lead for integrated life of mine planning, Rachel Sawyer, in collaboration with the chief technical officer at Integral Ecology Group (IEG), Justin Straker. The Landform Design Principles for Integrated Mine Closure Planning course explored practical design strategies that integrate ecological, hydrological, and geotechnical considerations to achieve successful mine closure.

The course was attended by a diverse group of professionals, from mine operators to environmental consultants and regulators, all united by a common goal: to find sustainable, long-term solutions for mine landform stability and post-closure land use. We were thrilled to see such active participation and engagement from attendees.

A special thank you to Justin for his collaboration and expertise, as well as to everyone who made time to attend the course—your involvement shows a commitment to advancing best practices in mine closure.

Technical presentation

Our contribution to ICARD 2024 also included a technical presentation delivered by Rachel. Held on the first day of the conference, the presentation focused on “Building Mine Rock Stockpiles for Full Lifecycle Value and Risk Reduction.” This session provided an update on the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) Phase 3 Report on ARD/AMD Source Control for Mine Rock Stockpiles. The report focuses on the work to advance the development of improved rock placement strategies by evaluating the question, “What value does constructing a mine rock stockpile with an emphasis on source control provide in terms of reducing asset liability to an acceptable level of residual risk?” 

A key highlight of this presentation was an overview of the decision-making framework which consists of two tools designed to inform on the benefits of incorporating source control measures within mine rock stockpiles during design and construction. These innovative tools are beneficial for a wide range of users from mine owners through to planners to help manage uncertainty by outlining how different mitigation strategies can be integrated to reduce water quality risks. By considering inclusion of source control early in the design phase, the tools help reduce the likelihood of unrecognized liabilities—ensuring both operational efficiency and cost-effective closure outcomes.

This decision-making framework aims to capture decades of lessons learned in the mining industry. By reducing uncertainty in the design, risk is reduced throughout the project lifecycle. This work advocates for the benefits of a combined approach to managing risks through implementation of source control, progressive reclamation and cover systems. This allows for opportunities to move from active to passive water treatment over time thereby reducing asset liability and building trust with communities and regulators.

What made this presentation especially impactful was how often it was referenced in subsequent sessions and presentations, underscoring an industry shift toward sustainable, long-term solutions for AMD/ARD management.

Takeaways from the Okane Team

Okane’s team came away from ICARD 2024 inspired and full of fresh insights. One of the key takeaways shared by Tyler Birkham, senior engineer, was the continued commitment in the mining industry to developing the source control ‘toolbox’ for water quality management. A full session devoted to Elk Valley Resources source control projects highlighted emerging technologies for unsaturated mine rock and tailings. These case studies will provide much-needed performance monitoring to further evaluate and develop the readiness level for these methods. ICARD 2024 provided a powerful connecting point for sharing experience and learnings to develop leading edge practices for source control and AMD/ARD management.

Mitchell Barteaux, senior geoscientist, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between innovative ideas for better AMD/ARD prediction and management and the practical solutions that can be integrated into industry best practices and regulatory frameworks. According to Mitchell, fostering change begins with taking the lead and encouraging a shift in what is considered “standard practice” in predicting and managing AMD/ARD. By enhancing best practices that consider practical realities and promoting their adoption across the industry, we can support regulatory shifts that better protect the receiving environment and local communities from potential AMD/ARD impacts.

How Okane can help you with AMD/ARD and integrated mine closure?

At Okane, we are committed to developing techniques and technologies that advance the industry in the fields of AMD/ARD management and source control. With unique experience supporting mine sites around the world to address the complexities of AMD/ARD, we have been fortunate to contribute to numerous industry guidelines and technical papers focused on effective ARD/AMD management strategies.

As advocates for integrated mine closure, considering environmental, social and economic factors thought the life of asset, we collaborate with our clients to design and construct landforms that integrate source control measures. By mitigating ARD/AMD at its source, we can help provide a more effective and sustainable solution for long-term water quality.

For those navigating ARD/AMD risks and challenges or seeking expertise in integrated mine closure planning, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at info@okaneconsultants.com.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our short course and technical presentation at ICARD 2024 as well as a huge thank you to the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), INAP, Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) and the entire organizing committee for a fantastic event.