2014 Annual and CSR Report Switch to Spanish Language
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Air

Air quality in and around our sites is important for our employees, communities and the environment. We monitor and report air emissions to comply with air quality laws and regulations in the countries where we operate.

Air emissions from our Manitoba operations are minor and related to vent and fugitive dust emissions. We have a particulate monitoring program in place to ensure that particulates, which may contain metals, remain below regulatory limits. Readings are reviewed by the government and external compliance auditors.

Each year, a dust management plan is implemented at Flin Flon in line with the annual tailings deposition plan and weather conditions. Water cover on tailings areas is controlled to reduce the potential for dust generation. We use a variety of methods for dust control on active tailings dams, such as creating covers of calcium chloride sand, adding chemical binder on exposed beaches, as well as utilizing a straw covering where possible. To minimize dust generation from vehicles, we have paved about 50% of the main in-plant roads.

Dust is also the most significant constituent of potential air quality issues at Constancia. We use a dust suppressor on the main roads to reduce airborne particulates and we regularly monitor air quality in nearby communities.

2014 Performance

  • In Manitoba, negotiations were initiated with the federal government on a new performance agreement for air emissions from the zinc plant, as required by Environment Canada for smelters, zinc plants and refineries.
  • In Peru, quarterly air monitoring was carried out in the Uchucarco, Chilloroya and Urasana communities, and reports were submitted to regulatory authorities. New air quality standards came into effect in January 2014 that reduced permissible particulate levels by 50% and, although this has made it challenging for many mining and extractive companies to comply, Constancia had no material non-conformances related to its emissions. However, we will need to increase controls to ensure that we remain in compliance with air quality requirements near communities when the site is in full operation.
  • There were no appreciable air quality impacts at the Rosemont project site. Potential dust generation during the drilling program was controlled through speed management and water on the roads.