Photo Credit: S. Holland
The Virtual ICARD 2021 conference was held on September 21-23, 2021. Hosted by INAP and themed “Meeting Challenge Through Innovation”, this event attracted 387 delegates from around the world. There were 15 presentations, 2 site visit presentations, 3 panels and several networking sessions over the three-half-day event. The daily program featured presentations and a panel discussion on a specific topic: Day 1 on Learnings Driving Future AMD Management; Day 2 on Mine Planning for Closure; and Day 3 on Future AMD Management Strategies and Innovation. All presentations are now available for viewing.
And congratulations to the organizing committee members for this successful event.
Day 1 of Virtual ICARD
Focused on Learnings Driving Future AMD Management
Looking to the past can provide insight into future directions in Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD) management. Talks in this session provided a perspective on past AMD management initiatives (e.g. waste rock blending) and their outcomes. There were four presentations from the organizations short listed for the INAP Leading Practice Award, representing the forefront of AMD management excellence. The panel discussion for Day 1 addressed AMD State of Practice from experts in Industry and Academia. The virtual site visit was Boliden’s Garpenberg operation in Sweden. The Day 1 session was of interest to all participants of the conference, given the range of topics.
Day 2 of Virtual ICARD
Focused on Mine Planning for Closure
The development of proactive mine planning for closure strategies is a crucial element to ensuring sustainable and profitable mine operations. Lack of long-term considerations can result in significant costs to the point that all value is eroded from a project. Decisions made by mine planners are particularly important for developing source control strategies, with more options to effectively reduce AMD risk available early in the mine life.
Mine and closure planners were particularly encouraged to attend Day 2 to hear from peers in the industry and understand how to influence and reduce AMD risks, ultimately leading to improved environmental and closure outcomes.
Day 3 of Virtual ICARD
Focused on Future AMD Management Strategies and Innovation
The Day 3 session focused on the future for Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD) management. Perspectives on the use of machine learning, exploiting microbiology for mine waste management, water treatment, and industry initiatives in addressing environmental challenges, were given. The panel discussion for Day 3 addressed Barriers to Reducing AMD “from the classroom to the mine site”. The panellists covered a broad range of experience and addressed human resource challenges for the next generation of practitioners and addressed current practices in operations that could inhibit advancement of effective AMD management.
The Day 3 session was of interest to all participants of the conference, with an interest in the future evolution of AMD management topics.