Current reclamation research taking place at the historic Ajax-Afton tailings site has earned graduate student Paul Antonelli a $5,000 scholarship.

This is Antonelli’s second field season on the site. Under the supervision of Dr. Lauchlan Fraser (kamino.tru.ca) , and supported by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (nserc-crsng.gc.ca) , he is researching methods for re-establishing vegetation and returning some of the old tailings to a new ecosystem. The results of his research could have impacts across the mining industry.

For his efforts, the Master of Science in Environmental Science (tru.ca)  student was awarded a scholarship from theSociety of Contaminated Sites Approved Professionals of B.C. (csapsociety.bc.ca)  According to the terms of reference for the award, recipients must demonstrate “exceptional promise, academic excellence, leadership and a strong commitment to contaminated sites research.”

“Plants don’t like to grow on tailings,” said Antonelli, explaining that the historic Ajax tailings are low in organic material and high in metals.

“We’re looking at ways of incorporating organic amendments to the tailings to encourage the growth of a diversity of plants.”

To make the reclamation more affordable over such a wide area — 75 hectares — Antonelli has been experimenting with organic amendments that are close at hand and readily available. One test plot incorporates compost from the City of Kamloops’ Cinnamon Ridge facility, while the other incorporates both the Cinnamon Ridge compost with a waste-ash byproduct from the Domtar pulp mill.

The soil is only part of the restoration effort, however, as Antonelli is also experimenting with different types of plants. In mine reclamation plants are traditionally chosen because they grow quickly. “Research has shown that while beneficial at the onset of remediation, the long term outcomes for these agronomic plants aren’t as great, as these sites don’t proceed and promote diversity,” Antonelli explained.

Because of this, he is planting six species of native grasses and four types of native herbs. He is also incorporating sage into the test plots. Due to its size, the sage will act as a nurse plant, providing shade and moisture for the smaller plants.

“The goal is really to enhance the diversity of species rather than a monoculture.”

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