Gould Copper Mine Rehabilitation Project

The Gould Copper Mine (AMIS # 07872) is a former high grade, low tonnage copper mine that operated from 1969 to 1976. The mine is situated in Gould Township, approximately 70 kilometres east of Sault Ste. Marie and 45 kilometres north of Thessalon, Ontario.

The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate the mine hazards at the Gould Copper Mine to eliminate the risk to the public and the environment. Mine hazards to be addressed as part of the rehabilitation activities includes two raises to surface, an adit, crown pillar and the remnants of infrastructure. A bat acoustic study was completed in 2019, which confirmed the presence of bat species at risk. Individual bats were observed flying in and out of the adit and the study concluded that mine is likely utilized by bats as a hibernaculum.

To assist with determining the preferred rehabilitation strategy, a geotechnical drilling investigation was completed in 2022 to determine the long-term stability of the crown pillars and conditions of the openings to surface remaining at the mine. Rock mass quality parameters and stability estimates collected as part of the geotechnical investigation concluded that the crown pillar associated with the adit is not long-term stable and progressive failure of the adit brow and crown pillar have occurred. As a result, bat-friendly rehabilitation measures (i.e., stainless steel gate) are not feasible for the adit as it would not address the long-term stability of the adit crown pillar. The proposed rehabilitation approach for the adit is to backfill to support the crown pillar and prevent it from unravelling. The backfill will also permanently prevent access to the adit by the public but will result in the loss of bat habitat. Permits and/or approvals under the Endangered Species Act will be obtained prior to initiating the rehabilitation work.

The preferred rehabilitation strategy for the two raises is to backfill using a combination of cemented and uncemented material to maintain long-term stability. Mine infrastructure to be decommissioned as part of the rehabilitation work includes a hydro substation, mill site foundations, a water tank, and two steel barrels. Disturbed areas will be backfilled and landscaped, as required, and allowed to revegetate naturally to match surrounding habitat.

It is anticipated that only minor vegetation clearing, and grading of existing mine roads will be needed to facilitate the access of heavy equipment to the the adit, west raise and remaining mine infrastructure. The east raise is currently inaccessible by heavy equipment and additional improvements will be needed to allow the execution of the rehabilitation work.

Site access improvements will be completed in September 2023, outside of the migratory bird active period. It is anticipated that the rehabilitation of the adit and two raises will be completed over a three-week period in early October 2023, when bats are not expected to be actively hibernating within the mine. A designated substance survey (DSS) is needed prior to the decommissioning of mine infrastructure to confirm the presence of eleven designated substance as identified in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as other hazardous materials that may require special handling or management during the proposed rehabilitation work. It is anticipated that the DSS will be completed by November 2023 and the decommissioning of remaining mine hazards completed by May 2024.

Public consultation: You are invited to provide input and express any concerns about this proposed project. Comments must be received by July 3, 2023. For more information or to submit comments please contact:

Michaela Haring, Environmental Planner
Ministry of Mines
Telephone: 1-249-885-3631
Email: Michaela.Haring2@ontario.ca

Please note that personal information provided in a submission (such as name, address, and telephone number) and your views and opinions are being collected by MINES under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act for the purpose of engaging in public consultation and making decisions regarding the project. The personal information may also be shared with the Environmental Assessment and Permissions Branch of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The collection, use, and disclosure of this information are all governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Questions about the collection of this information should be directed to the person listed above.

Applicant Details:

Ministry of Mines
933 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 6B5

Location Details: Gould Township, Algoma District

Site Location Description: The project activities occur in Gould Township, approximately 70 kilometres east of Sault Ste. Marie and 45 kilometres north of Thessalon, Ontario.