Westmin drilling sets new standards

Preserving the natural environment was an important part of Westmin Resources’ (TSE) recent surface drill program at its Myra Falls mine property near this Vancouver Island community.

The program was unique in that it was carried out entirely within the boundaries of Strathcona Park, the oldest provincial park in British Columbia, and the only park in the province where mining and exploration activity takes place.

During a recent site visit, The Northern Miner was able to observe the measures being taken by Westmin and Connors Drilling to ensure that the drill program was carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner. Before the program could begin, Westmin had to apply for a park use permit. This was granted by the government four months after the application was made, but only after a public information meeting was held and the proposed sites were inspected by the Parks ministry.

The public meeting was attended by members of the Friends of Strathcona, a special interest group which had blocked Cream Silver Mines from drilling adjoining claims in the late 1980s. But the group did not request denial of Westmin’s permit, and the program began in early January of this year, about two-and-one-half months later than originally planned.

“The environmental control procedures incorporated in the permit were recommended by Westmin and Connors Drilling and go well beyond usual requirements,” said Westmin geologist Rick Walker during the site visit. “Connors Drilling and every member of their crew deserve full credit for the sensitive and professional manner in which this program was executed.” As an example, Walker said all drill return fluid was recirculated in mud tanks and removed at least once per shift by tank truck for disposal in the tailings pond. Large drip pans were also installed under all engines and pumps.

The drill rigs were self-propelled, eliminating the need for a dozer and minimizing ground disturbance, and all holes were collared on existing secondary roads.

Sound suppression measures were also put into place to minimize potential disturbance to wildlife, namely a small herd of Roosevelt elk whose location was monitored twice per day during the drill program by a radio transmitter fitted to one of the elk.

The drill rigs were fully enclosed by insulated winter drill shacks, and the drill masts were enclosed by insulated winter socks. New, quiet turbo diesel engines were used, and mufflers were installed on all pumps and generator engines as well as the drill motors.

Hole casings were cemented in if they showed evidence of leaking drill fluid into the overburden. The casings are to be cut off and capped below ground surface to ensure the sites will be left in close to their original condition after the program is complete.

During the drill program, the sites were inspected about twice a week by a parks representative and less often by a mines inspector.

“These inspections were conducted with a spirit of understanding and do-operation,” Walker said. “Written inspection reports were completed on each visit and only minor and easily resolved technical difficulties were encountered.”

Westmin geologists expect to propose a followup drill program once geological and interpretative work, incorporating data from the recent surface drill program, is complete.