EDITORIAL PAGE — Two thumbs up for CANMET

Governments are always criticized for doing things wrong and rarely praised for doing things right. But one government initiative that clearly merits “two thumbs up” is the Canadian Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology, commonly known as CANMET.

In partnership with its clients, CANMET performs and sponsors predominantly commercial and cost-shared research and development, and transfer of technology. Its mandate is to enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s mining and energy industries; to improve and develop energy efficiency and alternative energy technologies; and to improve health, safety and environmental control.

A recent review of all of CANMET’s programs revealed that more than 90% demonstrated tangible benefits for Canadian companies in improved profitability and competitiveness. As well, 85% had a positive impact on the environment or on worker health and safety.

CANMET performed well on another important front: getting more Canadians back to work. The review showed that CANMET’s assistance had directly contributed to the creation or preservation of hundreds of jobs. It was also noted that the centre is contributing to the development of key high-growth industries. CANMET’s contribution to the research and development effort benefits industry in a variety of ways. With regard to mining and mineral processing, the organization’s expertise in stability assessment has extended the lifetime of six Quebec mines, making them more competitive. This was achieved by means of two methods: numerical modeling and time domain reflectometry (a cable-testing technique which detects any movement in the ground). These provided information which enabled operators to sequence their extractions to cover more ore and reduce the risk of rock failures. It is estimated that another $18 million worth of ore may be recovered from these six mines. Quebec mine operators are also benefiting from CANMET’s work on new recovery and treatment processes. As an example, CANMET and an industry partner developed an on-line cyanide analyzer for Cambior’s Yvan Vezina plant. The 2-year project, which is aimed at controling cyanidation, saved Cambior $480,000 a year by decreasing cyanide consumption by 40%, and increased gold recoveries by about $500,000 a year. These savings are expected to continue on an annual basis.

At its experimental mine, a former producer near Val d’Or, CANMET is assessing the potential of a water-driven hydraulic drill that penetrates rock at least 50% more rapidly than a compressed-air drill. The hand-held jackleg, developed in South Africa, was designed for use in constricted underground areas inaccessible to large machinery. The manufacturer is collaborating with CANMET and a consortium of Quebec companies to determine what modifications would be required to suit Canadian mine requirements. Other important research is being carried out at the experimental mine, including rock penetration, breakage and fragmentation, and the development of technology suited to narrow-vein underground mining and to small-scale operations. The mine may prove to be one of Canada’s most important producers, but of ideas rather than gold.