EMVIRONMENTAL POLICY UNVEILED

To implement this policy, whether in Canada or abroad, member companies will:

* assess, plan, construct and operate their facilities in compliance with all applicable legislation providing for the protection of the environment, employees and the public.

* in the absence of legislation, apply cost-effective, best management practices to advance environmental protection and to minimize environmental risks:

* maintain an active, continuing, self-monitoring program to ensure compliance with government and company requirements;

* foster research directed at expanding scientific knowledge of the impact of industry’s activities on the environment, of environment/economy linkages, and of improved treatment technologies;

* work pro-actively with government and the public in the development of equitable, cost-effective and realistic laws for the protection of the environment; and

* enhance communications and understanding with governments, employees and the public.

This policy, introduced in May, will apply to every member company of The Mining Association of Canada. Future members of the association will have to adhere to the policy. EMR HELPS FUND PROJECTS

Energy, Mines & Resources Canada will provide research grants totalling $1.39 million in 1989-90, under the federal ministry’s Research Agreements Program. The funds will support 178 projects (for an average grant of about $7,810 per project) in 38 research centres (for funding of $36,580 per centre).

Research will be carried out in the earth sciences, energy, and mining and minerals disciplines. Ninety-six studies in geology and geophysics will be supported. STORM WATCH

Geophysicists know that magnetic storms can play havoc with their exploration techniques. So it comes as good news that the Geological Survey of Canada (gsc) is offering an expanded magnetic forecasting and geomagnetic storm warning system. The gsc monitors the geomagnetic field at 13 observatories in Canada. Every geomagnetic storm is rated on a k index, which ranges from a low of 0 to a high of 9.

A K9 magnetic storm on March 13 and 14 of this year knocked out power in Quebec. Storm levels of less than K5 can skew geophysical exploration and surveying. These storms are the result of streams of high-energy, electrically charged particles ejected from the sun during flare activity and the passage of other longer-lived holes in the sun’s corona.

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