Mining and metals, Canada Environmental compliance audit of a mining project construction site in the Northwest Territories

Summary

EEM was retained to conduct an Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) of a new diamond mine under construction. The audit evaluated compliance with federal and territorial environmental regulatory requirements, including authorizations, permits, and license commitments. The Project is one of the largest new diamond mines under development in the world, with the potential to become one of Canada’s major high-grade and long-lived diamond mines.

Approach and Solution

The approach adopted by EEM for the audit rested on the principles outlined in CSA’s standard Z773-03 (R2013) for environmental compliance auditing. The audit, conducted by one of EEM’s experienced environmental auditors, included follow-up on the status of previous compliance audit findings and the issuance of recommendations for corrective action.

Results

The audit facilitated the identification of actual and potential non-compliance issues. Field observations created occasions to discuss regulatory matters and provide regulatory awareness training to facility employees and contractors.