Citizen involvement key to Ridgeway mine closure

Mining is an important economic engine in Canada, and that means that citizens living near mining camps are usually aware of a mine’s life cycle from exploration through closure. This is less true in the United States of America, which explains why a unit of Kennecott asked a citizens’ panel to review its closure of the Ridgeway gold mine in South Caroline even before the plan was submitted to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Ridgeway produced 1.45 million oz. gold and 920,000 oz. silver during its 11 years of operation (1988-1999). However, if some local citizens had had their way, the mine might not have entered production at all. Like numerous other mines in the United States, Ridgeway was opposed by a group of local citizens who filed lawsuits and otherwise sought to block mine construction. Eventually, a settlement was made, resulting in the creation of a panel of 15-25 citizens that visited the mine regularly to monitor its compliance with environment regulations.

Over time, the citizens panel learned much about the mining process. However, other citizens were left out and some continued to hold doubts. To remedy this, operator Kennecott opened the mine to public tours during the last three years of operation. This gave individuals the opportunity to observe, ask questions and express their opinions. And the company was able to correct misinformation and address concerns, including what would happen after mining ended.

In late 1999, the company held a series of open houses to present the details of its closure and rehabilitation plan. And the citizens’ group was allowed the opportunity to comment on the plans at an early age.

Kennecott intends to reclaim the North and South pits by creating two lakes that will be connected by a series of wetland meadows to provide habitat for wildlife and waterfowl. The tailings impoundment will be capped with a 3-ft. layer of clay to create a natural barrier, which will then be re-vegetated to provide forage for wildlife. A business plan is currently being formed; it calls for the construction of a corporate training centre to provide employment opportunities.