Applying novel biomonitoring techniques to assess reclamation progress in Canada’s largest open-pit copper mine

The proposed project is designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of habitat restoration after it has been used for resource extraction (e.g., mining, forestry). This recovery process is known as ‘reclamation’. We will work with the partner organisation, Teck Resources, to assess reclamation progress in a large copper mine in western Canada. We will use exciting new DNA sequencing technology to identify which species are present at the mine and which are present at undisturbed sites outside of the mine. Because we have multiple years of data, this dataset will allow us to determine whether the mine sites are recovering. As a part of the project, I will develop new interactive portals that the industry partner can use to explore and understand the data. More broadly, we will advance knowledge of Canada’s biodiversity by ensuring all data are publicly available and identify new species that taxonomists can describe.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Hebert

Student:

Partner:

Teck Resources Ltd

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Mining

University:

University of Guelph

Program: