Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 30/04) - The farthest branch of Con Mine's underground tunnel network comes to a stop 3,100 feet below the surface at Twin Pine Hill, just a few meters short of the Igloo Inn.

Last November, the mine began flooding its extensive maze of underground workings as 65 years of mining came to a close.

Now, the Yellowknives Dene living across the bay from Con Mine in Dettah are wondering what may bubble up to the surface once the flooding is complete.

"Dettah is right across from Con Mine," said resident Fred Sangris.

"People there are very concerned what's going to happen there. Is it going to force the Yellowknives Dene to move elsewhere in the future because of the contaminated site?"

Sangris was one of several presenters at public hearings held this week by the Mackenzie Land and Water Board, who are delving into closure plans for Miramar Con Mine.

Sangris said Yellowknives Dene are troubled by what appears to be a hasty closure by the mine, one which has yet to be approved by the water board.

"The (abandonment and restoration) plan doesn't go far enough," said Sangris. "It doesn't touch on health, or the safety of the people."

Closure already under way

The mine's closure plan, which began reclamation work in 2002, is already well under way. The plan includes covering tailings ponds with grass and allowing them to re-vegetate. Between 10,000 to 12,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil from the mill area will be excavated and dumped into Negus Pond, which will also be covered and seeded. Mine shafts and vents, including the already capped Negus 351 raise, will be plugged with concrete.

Twenty-nine of the mine's 63 standing structures are ready for demolition, although plans are currently on hold until the mine and the city sort out which buildings will be saved for historical or practical purposes.

Much of the mine site will eventually be opened to public or industrial use, although some areas, such as Negus and Con Ponds will likely remain fenced-off for several years until re-vegetation is complete.

Miramar estimates that it will cost about $8 million to close the mine.

City councillor and research director with the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, Kevin O'Reilly -- who dominated much of the hearings through his line of questioning -- wondered whether the mine's re-vegetation plans go far enough.

Cover active tailings

"I believe the proponent only intends to cover (with rock) the active tailings area to the extent of 25 to 30 per cent," said O'Reilly. "Is that correct?"

Environmental superintendent of Con Mine, Jim McKay said they are still mulling over their options, but confirmed that a large portion of the tailings areas and ponds won't be covered over in rock.

"If I may use the Timmins (Ont.) area as an example, where they have re-vegetated tailings surfaces in residential areas with great success with re-vegetation directly on the tailings, that is what is reflected in our A&R plan," said McKay.

"As the process moves forward we will determine the various cost alternatives."

Lorna Skinner came to the hearings with a more pressing problem. She is one of 26 residents living in the Con Trailer court, which is on mine-leased property.

They may face eviction if Municipal and Community Affairs and the city don't come to an agreement over how free of pollutants the soil underneath their homes ought to be.

Skinner wanted to know if Miramar is willing to keep the mine's water and sewer service open past the June 30 deadline, to buy them more time.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said the city is still negotiating with Miramar to keep the water and sewer lines open until November. "Now it's a matter of Con has to see how it fits with their remediation plans once they get it approved," said Van Tighem.