technical report on the nechalacho deposit, thor lake project ...

• The downstream face of the embankments will be reclaimed as the final downstream
slope is constructed. Progressive reclamation will be implemented to the greatest degree
possible;
• The exposed tailings surface will be capped with stockpiled organics and re-vegetated;
• Surface runoff control channels and permanent spillways will be constructed as required
to provide sustainable surface runoff conditions; and
• Infrastructure not required beyond Mine closure will be dismantled and removed.
The tailings management facility will be designed and reclaimed to maintain long-term physical
and geochemical stability, protect the downstream environment and effectively manage surface
water. A post-closure monitoring program will include an annual inspection of the tailings
management facility for a prescribed period to confirm the completed closure measures are
meeting permit and licence conditions.
PINE POINT
The hydrometallurgical processing plant is proposed to be located at the existing brownfields
site of the former Pine Point Mine. Pursuing this strategy presents a number of significant
environmental and operational benefits for the overall project. In particular, the former Pine
Point Mine site is considered to be an ideal location for the siting of a Hydrometallurgical
Processing Plant. The area is a very large brownfields site, having been reclaimed by industry
and government since closure of the mine in 1987. Reclamation of the minesite included the
complete removal of the mill and the re-establishment of drainage.
The Pine Point environmental conditions are summarized by EBA based on various sources,
and studies done by EBA in 2005 and 2006.
General Ecology
The area of interest is located in the Great Slave Lowlands Mid-Boreal Ecoregion of the Taiga
Plains Ecozone (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007).
Nearly level lacustrine and alluvial deposits with a mosaic of sedge wetlands and grass
meadows, diverse forests and wetlands typify the Slave Lowland MB Ecoregion. The vegetation
of this Ecoregion is characterized by medium to tall, closed stands of jack pine and trembling
aspen. White spruce and black spruce dominate later successional stands. Poorly drained fens
and bogs in this region are covered with low, open stands of larch), black spruce and
ericaceous shrubs.
Moose, woodland caribou and occasionally wood bison are the main ungulates found in the
area of interest, although none are considered common. As confirmed by Traditional Knowledge
Technical Report 43-101 – March 13, 2011 Page 18-101
Prepared by Avalon Rare Metals Inc.