Mine remediation complete in Creighton

CREIGHTON, SASK.—Crews have completed remediation work at the abandoned Newcor mine site near Creighton, Sask.

It is the first of six remediation projects to be completed as part of Saskatchewan’s commitment to address abandoned mine sites on Crown land and reduce the number of contaminated sites in the province.

“The work done to clean up the Newcor mine site reflects our government’s commitment to environmental stewardship in northern Saskatchewan,” said Environment Minister Warren Kaeding in a press release. “Our government has shown it is committed to remediating these sites for both the benefit of public health and safety, along with the environmental benefit.”

The remediation project work included:

– the installation of an engineered cover system over contaminated waste rock and soil;

– a permanent cover over the mine shaft;

– removal of remaining building foundations; and

– contouring and revegetation of the site.

The remediation and engineering work was co-ordinated by QM Points LP and SNC-Lavalin. Work at the mine site took 13 weeks to complete and was done within the project’s original $1.6 million cost estimate.

The Newcor site is situated less than two kilometers southwest of Creighton. While it is accessible by the public, the Ministry of Environment is asking for users to refrain from any activities that could disturb the new topsoil and harm the growth of new vegetation.

Officials added remediation of the five other abandoned mine sites identified by the ministry will proceed in the coming years.