SLR is excited to be a part of the inaugural RPIC National Summit in Ottawa.
From November 25 – 27 we’ll be at Roger's Centre taking part in a hub of networking, knowledge sharing, and learning. The Summit brings together every facet of the federal real property community and is the must-attend event for federal leaders, influencers, decision-makers, technical and functional experts, managers, and delivery teams to connect, learn, and collaborate.
If you’re heading along, make sure to check out the SLR led presentations and stop by our booth (#8) to discover what we have been working on and how we can help with your environmental consulting needs.
Our Presentations
From Planning to Completion – Effective Project Management and Overcoming Challenges in Closing a Former Lead and Zinc Mine at a Remote Site in the North
Kate Lindfield (SLR Consulting) & Coleman Sadler (Forward Mining)
Tuesday, November 25 at 10:05 AM (EST)
The O’Connor Lake Mine, a former copper, lead and zinc mine located on an island off the east shore of O’Connor Lake, approximately 190 kilometers southeast of Yellowknife, was successfully remediated in 2024. This northern remote site, managed by CIRNAC, is only accessible by helicopter or aircraft equipped with floats during the summer months. The mine, which operated between 1949 and 1952, produced 4,300 tonnes of rock and 900 tonnes of ore. After mining operations ceased, the site was abandoned and fell into disrepair, presenting hazards such as dilapidated structures, hazardous building materials, open mine workings, a waste rock pile, and scattered debris.
The remediation and closure of the O’Connor Lake Mine, including the various stages of site assessment that were required to reach this point, was a multiyear and multiphase project that involved a comprehensive project management approach. This effort involved collaboration between various stakeholders including PSPC, CIRNAC, FORWARD Mining and SLR Consulting. Throughout the project, invaluable input was also received from members of the local community of Fort Resolution following several engagement events. Additionally, the First Nations’ within whose traditional territory the mine was located played a key role during execution of the project. The Deninu Kųę́ First Nation are a major shareholder in FORWARD Mining who completed the remediation works. Community members from Fort Resolution were involved in the initial site assessment and supported SLR’s site crew in the field.
This case study outlines some of the key stages of work completed to successfully assess and remediate this unique northern site, focusing on the perspectives of PSPC, the federal custodian, the Prime Contractor, and consultant. The presentation will highlight some of the project management and technical challenges encountered, discuss how the team overcame these challenges through collaborative problem solving, and highlights the importance of community engagement and partnership in such projects.
