Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 22/99) - Arsenic and asbestos filled drums, waste oil, and old batteries litter the surface of Giant mine.

That being the case, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) executive advisor Dave Nutter said there's no better time than the present to start reclaiming the site.

"The initial phase is going to move as many of the drums that contain asbestos and arsenic under a roof and into a dry place," said Nutter.

"There are also old waste batteries around the property. We're going to collect those batteries and move them to a secure site."

DIAND awarded the surface reclamation contract, which is worth about $450,000, to the Deton'cho Corporation.

"It's very positive to finally see some work getting done," said Nutter.

"It really is an initial stage, but we're looking forward to working alongside the GNWT and Miramar Mining Inc. to continue the reclamation process into the future and to employ some of those people who were laid off due to the Giant closure."

He said the long-term goals include reclaiming the tailings ponds, planting vegetation to suppress dust, and sub-surface reclamation.

Canadian Autoworkers (CAW) Local 2304 plant chair Steve Petersen said they were originally under the impression that the reclamation jobs would go to former Giant workers exclusively. The Deton'cho contract, he said, calls for the nine initial jobs to be split between Dene, Dogrib, and CAW workers.

"At first we were upset but we realize we have to start somewhere," said Petersen.

"We're happy to be working alongside the Deton'cho Corporation and we realize this is the first step to more jobs down the line."

Petersen figures there could be as many as 40 various jobs arising as a result of the Giant mine cleanup.

"The reclamation business is booming right now so we'll try and take advantage of that for our members," said Petersen.

"They are the ones who have extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the mine -- particularly the mill area which deals with toxic byproducts."