Canada’s Teck Resources Ltd. has been awarded the 2023 Mine Reclamation Award – Coal Mine Category by the British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation (TRCR) for its use of an innovative reclamation technique at the Coal Mountain mine site near Sparwood, B.C. which is in the care and maintenance phase.
Guided by a deep commitment to protecting biodiversity and achieving the goal to become nature positive by 2030, Teck used a new uphill contouring reclamation technique to protect a creek and forested area as part of ongoing to work to reclaim the entire former Coal Mountain mine site.
“Teck is proud to be recognized with this award, made possible through the passion and innovation of the reclamation team to find new ways to do even better,” said Robin Sheremeta, senior vice president, coal for Teck. “Our people live and work in the Elk Valley and are committed to caring for the land here and we will continue to do all we can to protect the environment for today and for future generations.”
This method required specialized bulldozers and excavators capable of pushing rocks at steep angles of up to 22° to reduce soil erosion, ensure geotechnical stability and preserve the integrity of undisturbed areas below the area being reclaimed. Designing and testing the process of uphill contouring required operators to change their practices and make equipment adjustments, and this new method is now part of Teck’s standard reclamation practices.
Speaking about the significance of the Mine Reclamation Award, Tim Antill, TRCR Chair of the Awards Subcommittee, said: “The TRCR award is a valuable way to recognize Teck’s commitment to the reclamation of its mine sites. The use of new and innovative reclamation approaches shows what is possible, and helps to elevate reclamation practices in the province as a whole.”
