Søndergaard, J., Hansen, V., Bach, L., Jørgensen, C.J., Jia, Y. & Asmund, G. 2018. Geochemical test work in Environmental Impact Assessments for mining projects in Greenland - Recommendations by DCE and GINR. Aarhus University, DCE – Danish Centre for Environment and Energy, 46 pp. Technical Report No. 132. http://dce2.au.dk/pub/TR132.pdf
An important part of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for mining projects in Greenland and elsewhere concerns prediction of leaching of potential pollutants from mine waste to the environment. For this purpose, geo-chemical test work plays a central role. Currently there is a need for a set of specific recommendations for geochemical test work for mining projects in Greenland. Such recommendations will enable mining companies operating in Greenland to understand and fulfill the requirements for geochemical test work at an early stage of the mining project and contribute to adequate information during the EIA process.
This report by Danish Centre for Environment and Energy (DCE) and Green-land Institute for Natural Resources (GINR) provides background information and a set of recommendations for geochemical test work (incl. radon release and toxicity tests) required for EIAs for mining projects in Greenland. The report include specific recommendations for identification and characterization of rock and waste units, description of mine components, collection of samples, selection of test methods, interpretation of test results, predictions and reporting. Also, the report includes recommendations for a work flow that will enable an improved time-efficient dialogue between the companies, the authorities and its advisors regarding the requirements for geochemical test work, interpretation of the results and finally inclusion of the predictions in the EIA.
The recommendations are based on existing guidelines from Canada, US, Australia and international organizations (and aim to be at the same level as these) and are built on DCE’s and GINR’s experience from previous mining projects in Greenland.
