Orphaned and Abandoned Mines: A Workshop to Explore Best Practices

Abstract – Winnipeg, MB. October 26-27, 2006

This report captures the proceedings of the National Orphaned/Abandoned Mines Initiative (NOAMI) workshop on best emerging and innovative practices relating to the management of orphaned and abandoned mines, held on October 26th and 27th, 2006 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Over 100 participants attended the workshop from Aboriginal groups, non-governmental and academic organizations from Canada, the US and abroad, the mining industry, and federal and provincial governments. The objective of the workshop was to explore and understand the best, emerging and innovative practices relating to the management of orphaned and abandoned mines. Best practices in the areas of setting priorities, public engagement and capacity building, and partnership approaches were examined through Canadian and international case studies and presentations, which were discussed in plenary. A breakout group exercise allowed participants to discuss and apply these best practices to a complex abandoned mine case study. In addition to capturing the workshop proceedings, this report lists possible elements that may constitute a “tool kit” of best practices to address the legacy issues of orphaned/abandoned mine sites.