New Research Projects Set to Enhance Mine Site Reclamation
Vancouver, BC - August 22, 2018 - Geoscience BC is funding two new research projects to improve mine site restoration in partnership with a new federally-funded Chair in Ecosystem Reclamation at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
TRU and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced that Dr. Lauchlan Fraser will be the new Industrial Research Chair in Ecosystem Reclamation today, and Geoscience BC funded projects will be some of the first research undertaken.
Called Soil Amendments in Mine Closure, the first project will measure the soil microbiota through DNA sequencing to establish the health of topsoil stockpiles at numerous mine sites around British Columbia, and will test if soil amendments improve the health of the topsoil.
A second project, Understanding Invertebrate Dynamics Using DNA Barcoding, will test invertebrate species diversity and composition and will more accurately measure biodiversity at mine sites in British Columbia.
Commenting on the news, Geoscience BC President and CEO Gavin C. Dirom said: "Geoscience BC is excited that Dr. Lauchlan Fraser is the new Chair in Ecosystem Reclamation, and we are proud to be involved in the partnership. We know that new science to improve mine reclamation is important to the mining sector, communities, First Nations and government."
He added: "These projects support Geoscience BC's strategic goals to advance science and innovative geoscience technologies and to facilitate responsible natural resource development.
Accessing Information
More information on these projects are available on the Geoscience BC website www.geosciencebc.com
View Soil Amendments in Mine Closure project page View Understanding Invertebrate Dynamics Using DNA Barcoding project page
View the Thompson Rivers University news release here
About Geoscience BC
Geoscience BC is an independent, non-profit organization that generates earth science information in collaboration with First Nations, local communities, governments, academia and the resource sector. Our independent earth science enables informed resource management decisions. You can view a copy of the Geoscience BC Strategic Plan 2018-2022 here. Geoscience BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.