Recipients 2024

2024 ERM SUSTAINABILITY BURSARY RECIPIENT

katherine

Katherine Arenas-Collao
Queen’s University
Innovation in Environmental and/or Social Performance

How can diversity and inclusion be effectively implemented in a market where candidates are scarce? Addressing this question is not as straightforward as it may seem; in fact, numerous authors characterize the implementation of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies as a complex matter that demands a case-by-case approach. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, valuable insights can be gleaned by examining successful cases and fostering collaboration within the industry for mutual learning.

In this context, Katherine's research employs an intersectional lens to investigate how EDI programs, designed to enhance the recruitment and retention of mining professionals at the site, contribute to the achievement of Canada’s Critical Minerals objectives. The study specifically focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of programs in accommodating and supporting employees, particularly women, who must balance work and family responsibilities. Furthermore, the research explores the extent to which these effective support systems not only attract more women to the industry but also resonate with younger workers of all genders who prioritize work-life balance more than their predecessors.

2023 ERM SUSTAINABILITY BURSARY RECIPIENT

Adrien Dimech

Adrien Dimech
Université du Québec en Abitibi Témiscamingue
Innovation in Environmental and/or Social Performance

The environmental and geotechnical stability of the mine wastes is considered one of the major challenges for the mineral industry. As conventional monitoring tools generally have a small volume of investigation, it can be difficult to adequately monitor large mine wastes storage facilities, which can cover several square kilometers. The goal of Adrien’s thesis is to develop geophysical techniques for continuous, real-time and remote monitoring of mine tailings and waste rocks. The results of the geophysical monitoring are promising to extend conventional monitoring approaches and take into account material variability and heterogeneity on a larger scale.

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The accuracy of the proposed geophysical technique is assessed at various scales, from small-scale laboratory samples to pilot-scale field experimental cells at an active gold mine in Quebec. In particular, the geophysical datasets are used to predict the moisture content distribution in mine wastes, which then allows for monitoring of the geochemical and geotechnical stability of the tailings. Therefore, this Ph.D. project can contribute to the development of new standards for monitoring mine wastes, which would increase our ability to detect abnormal conditions in tailings storage facilities and waste rock piles, and thus reduce the risk of generating acid mine drainage or catastrophic dam failures.

2022 ERM SUSTAINABILITY BURSARY RECIPIENTS

Lori Manoukian
McGill University
Innovation in Environmental Performance

Phosphorus is used as fertiliser and is a crucial nutrient in agriculture; however, its release in the natural environment as runoff causes eutrophication. Furthermore, phosphate rock, the primary finite source of industrial phosphorus, is currently being mined with significant losses during its extraction, beneficiation and processing. A shortage of P nutrient can cause global food shortage.

The subject of Lori’s thesis is an exploratory project with the goal of reducing the negative impacts of phosphate rock mining and processing. She is examining the possibility of recovering phosphorus from water with a class of phosphorus-accumulating bacteria to create a phosphorus fertilizer. Creating a phosphorus circular economy will not replace the requirement for phosphate rock mining, but it would create a local phosphorus re-use option. This exciting technology could be used to recover dissolved phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants, and phosphate rock mining and processing wastewaters. The focus of her research so far has been on developing a standardized approach for phosphorus characterization, which would allow for optimization of the biological process and ensure the creation of the highest quality fertilizer.

Adan Olivares Castro
Queen's University
Innovation in Social Performance

The purpose of Adan’s master’s thesis is to understand the reasons mining companies misinterpret Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) and Inuit worldviews, using the example of the Mary River Iron Ore (MRIO) mine expansion proposal. Using qualitative methodologies, he explores the question: What enabling and constraining conditions exist to center Inuit worldviews and concerns for their communities, environment, and future generations in the community stakeholder engagement process of the MRIO mine expansion proposal?

He plans to answer this question by analyzing documents pertaining to the case and conducting open-ended virtual interviews with Inuit to understand their perspectives on engagement and interpretation of IQ. The objective of his thesis is to contribute towards reforms in mining policy and voluntary mining standards by developing structures that amplify the knowledge forms, values, and voices of mining-impacted communities in stakeholder engagement processes.

Adan’s motivation for conducting this research stems from the compelling demand from mining-impacted communities for Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in connection to resource extraction projects. This demand aligns with UNDRIP and Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action No. 92, which calls on the corporate sector in Canada to commit to both meaningful consultation and the FPIC of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with development projects. Adan anticipates that this research can contribute to the development of industry standards and government policies that facilitate transparency and accountability between mining companies and communities. This research is pertinent in the era of climate crisis and urgent need for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.