About the workshop in 2023

Arctic Mining: Environmental issues, mitigation and pollution control for marine and coastal mining

This homepage is based on a workshop which took place March 21,22,23, 2023

The program for the workshop was as follow:

Overall Workshop Objective:

To identify and better understand key lessons on mitigating impacts of mining on marine environments, and to share lessons from an environmental and technical perspective. In addition, we aim to improve the knowledge base about the potential impacts of mining to support informed decisions, and to identify how the impacts can be minimized.

Through the workshop, we aim to clarify and broaden our understanding of good marine environmental practices in mining with input from across the circumpolar Arctic. We will achieve this by:

Exchanging case experiences on environmental impact of arctic mining and distilling the lessons – what have we learned, and looking ahead, what should be considered?
Building practical solutions and guidelines for mining and development, inspiring positive actions going forward; and
Building professional networks to support one another, fostering an exchange of ideas and information (amongst professionals in a given sector, such as regulators from different jurisdictions).

Workshop Outputs include:

i. Creating a Workshop Proceedings Report to document lessons across five thematic areas:

1) Pollution issues: cases of mitigating and reducing environmental issues

2) Retaining biodiversity

3) Engagement and participation of Indigenous and arctic communities

4) Regulation: company, regulator, community perspectives on regulation

5) Sharing and discussing results of the PAME survey

ii. Identifying ways to build networks amongst professionals working in this area

iii. Identifying participants interested in furthering the workshop’s insights into an academic publication

A copy of the Proceedings is available here.

Workshop Agenda - Day 1 - March 21^st, 2023

Theme 1: Where are we now? What remains a challenge (defining the problem)?
Theme 2: What can we do better on pollution issues, mitigating impacts, and reducing environmental issues related to mining?

Welcome and Introduction to the Workshop ( Presentation )

Session 1A: Opening Keynote with lightning talks

Aquatic environment: Modern Mining Impacts and mitigation: An overview of principles and criteria for environmental protection in Mining with a focus on the marine environment. Christian Juncher Jørgensen, Aarhus University ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
Lightning talk 1: Lessons Learned from the Last Century - Mining Waste and Regulation in Greenland. Jens Søndergaard, Aarhus University ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )

Session 1B: PAME Survey Findings

PAME Survey findings & moderated short Q&A - Anders Mosbech, Head of Research and Advisory at Aarhus University ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )

Arctic Mining - Presentation on EU Best Available Techniques Reference Document for the Management of Waste from Extractive Industries: Key principles and examples of BAT conclusions - Soile Nieminen, Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, Finland ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )

Session 1C: What are the Main Issues and Challenges?

Breakout group work to frame key issues and challenges, guided by Paul Godin and Sarah Daitch, Katalyst Resolutions, workshop facilitators ), (Proceedings)

Day 1 Closing

In light of the challenges identified, what can we do better on pollution issues, mitigation of environmental issues, and protection of the marine environment? Anders Mosbech, Head of Research and Advisory at Aarhus University ( Video )

Workshop Agenda - Day 2 - March 22^nd, 2023

Theme 2 continued: What can we do better on pollution issues, mitigating impacts, and reducing environmental issues related to mining?
Theme 3: What can we do better to maintain biodiversity?

Session 2A: Welcome and Introduction to the day’s theme: Pollution Issues and Maintaining Biodiversity ( Presentation )

Welcome and review of today’s agenda, highlights from the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Report - Mainstreaming biodiversity in arctic mining to inform thinking on the day’s themes Paul Godin and Sarah Daitch, Katalyst Resolutions, workshop facilitators ( Presentation )
Marine Tailing Disposal: The Norwegian Experience & moderated Q & A. Hilde Cecilie Trannum, Norway ( Abstract / Presentation )
Lightning talk 1: Industry process chemicals and discharge of wastewater to the Arctic marine environment. Kim Gustavson, Aarhus University ( Abstract / Presentation )
Lightning talk 2: Impacts related to dredging – Greenland Experience. David Blockley, Scientist at Greenland Institute of Natural Resources ( Abstract / Presentation )
Moderated Q & A for lightning talks

Session 2B: What can we do better to maintain biodiversity: Exploring challenges, approaches and solutions

Lightning talk 1: Narwhals and underwater noise; new knowledge. Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen, Professor, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources ( Abstract / Presentation )
Lightning talk 2: A Saami approach to maintaining biodiversity in marine environments affected by mining. Tonje M. W. Johansen, Advisor, Arctic and Environment Unit, Saami Council, TBC.(Abstract)
A short, moderated Q & A to follow both talks
Added exercise addressing new approaches and solutions

Day 2 Closing Paul Godin and Sarah Daitch, Katalyst Resolutions, workshop facilitators

Workshop Agenda - Day 3 March 23^rd, 2023

Theme 4: What can we do better - How do we carry out meaningful engagement and participation with Indigenous Peoples and local communities?
Theme 5: How could we best regulate arctic mining to prevent environmental issues, and support responsible practices? Perspectives from Scientists, Industry, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and Government.

Session 3A: What can we do better on regulating the impacts of Arctic mines, and meaningfully engaging Indigenous Peoples and local communities?

Opening: Recap of current practices and way forward, Paul Godin and Sarah Daitch, Katalyst Resolutions, workshop facilitators
Lightning talk 1: Towards Sustainable Mining: A Global Standard. Katherine Gosselin, Mining Association of Canada ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
Lightning talk 2: Industry perspective on current practices. Bo Stensgaard, CEO, Blue Jay Mining ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
Moderated Q & A following Lightning talks 1 & 2.
Lighting talk 3: What have we learned about meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the Arctic, how does this apply to Arctic mining activities? Marjorie Kaviq Kaluraq, Chair of Nunavut Impact Review Board and Karen Costello, Executive Director, Nunavut Impact Review Board ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
Lightning talk 4: Civil society perspective on Arctic mining, regulation and management. Elena Tracy, Senior Advisor, Sustainable Development, WWF Arctic Programme ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
Moderated Q & A following Lightning talks 3 & 4.

Session 3B: Moderated Panel Discussion – Perspectives across sectors on mining regulation, impact and management - What has been learned? What are the best practices to balance future mining activities with protection of the Arctic environment?

Opening lightning talk: Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) – A Greenland example on how to inform planning. Janne Fritt-Rasmussen, Aarhus University ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
1 - Industry –Alex Buchan, Agnico Eagle Director Nunavut Affairs, Stakeholder Engagement ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
2 - Regulator/Government - Steen Christensen, Head of Agency, the Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA), Government of Greenland ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
3 - Indigenous Organization - Jared Ottenhof, Director of Lands and Resource ( Abstract / Video )
4 - Scientist – Lis Bach, Senior advisor at DCE, Aarhus University ( Abstract / Presentation / Video )
Panel Discussion ( Video )

Next Steps: Discussions on building networks, developing best practice environment, and developing a communication and engagement approach ( Video )

Discussion guided by Paul Godin and Sarah Daitch, Katalyst Resolutions, workshop facilitators

Closing Remarks: Anders Mosbech, Head of Research and Advisory at Aarhus University ( Presentation / Video )

Workshop background materials distributed via workshop website