Saline Water Diffuser Project2020-05-14T15:06:31+00:00

The Saline Water Diffuser Project

The Saline Water Diffuser involves a discharge of saline effluent from the Meliadine Mine to the marine environment at Melvin Bay
near Rankin Inlet.

Based on the predicted flows of groundwater into the underground workings, we have found that additions to our short and long-term groundwater strategy are required. Therefore, we will be installing a storage tank and building a pipe as well as a diffuser during the summer of 2019 in order to discharge treated underground water into Melvin Bay. Some of the groundwater from the Mine will be treated and discharged to Meliadine Lake, but there is too much groundwater for Meliadine Lake alone. This is why we need to discharge water into Melvin Bay.

Meliadine Overview

  • The Meliadine gold project is Agnico Eagle’s second major project in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, following the Meadowbank mine.

  • A 25 kilometer all weather access road (AWAR) links the project with the Rankin Inlet hamlet.

  • Agnico Eagle achieves commercial production in May 2019.

Construction Phases

  • PHASE 1: EARTHWORK

    • Early June 2019
    • This first phase consists of retrieving aggregates in order to build the basin for the storage tank.
  • PHASE 2: INSTALLATION OF STORAGE TANK

    • June to July 2019
    • The second construction phase will consist of installing a prefab tank as well as the installation of the pumping station that is built in the container.
  • PHASE 3: ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION OF THE PIPE AND DIFFUSER

    • July 2019
    • The last phase of construction will consist of assembling the in-water pipe from shore and ballast weights. Our team will finish the construction by installing the in-water pipe and diffuser.

Saline Water Tank Layout

Saline Water Diffuser – Discharge Into Melvin Bay

Project Information

Project Brochure

Find out more about the Saline Water Diffuser Project

Construction Phases Timeline

Construction Phases Timeline

Click here to view the construction phases

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the Meliadine Extension been approved?2022-11-09T16:13:41+00:00

The extension of Meliadine has not yet been approved. Right now, we are in the permitting process to obtain the necessary approvals from the Nunavut Planning Commission, the Nunavut Impact Review Board, Nunavut Water Board, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. The permitting process includes the Environment Assessment which outlines what the proposed Extension includes and what its benefits and potential impacts are. It also outlines consultation with communities and how we plan to monitor and mitigate the project’s effects.

Question #2 Meliadine Extension Page2022-11-09T16:10:28+00:00

Answer/descritpion here

Question #3 Meliadine Extension Page2022-11-09T16:10:46+00:00

Answer/descritpion here

Question #4 Meliadine Extension Page2022-11-09T16:10:59+00:00

Answer/descritpion here

Question #5 Meliadine Extension Page2022-11-09T16:11:16+00:00

Answer/descritpion here

Question #6 Meliadine Extension Page2022-11-09T16:11:30+00:00

Answer/descritpion here

What is the saline water diffuser project?2019-06-10T17:48:23+00:00

The Saline Water Diffuser involves a discharge of saline effluent from the Meliadine Mine to the marine environment at Melvin Bay near Rankin Inlet. Based on the predicted fl ows of groundwater into the underground workings, we have found that additions to our short and long-term groundwater strategy are required. Therefore, we will be installing a storage tank and building a pipe as well as a diffuser during the summer of 2019 in order to discharge treated underground water into Melvin Bay. Some of the groundwater from the Mine will be treated and discharged to Meliadine Lake, but there is too much groundwater for Meliadine Lake alone. This is why we need to discharge water into Melvin Bay.

Did Agnico Eagle consult with the local community and public before proceeding with the project?2019-06-10T17:49:30+00:00

Yes, public meetings were held in Rankin Inlet during the winter of 2018. Community consultations were also held during the fall of 2018 as part of the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) process. Some of the feedback we received from the community was incorporated into the design. For example, the portion of the pipe in the intertidal zone (the area that is above water at low tide and underwater at high tide) will be removed every fall since the community was concerned that burying the pipe would not be safe enough with the rocks moving due to ice and tidal action.

What is planned to reduce the potential impacts for the community?2019-06-10T17:57:37+00:00

As discussed during the public meetings of winter 2018, our team will make sure to responsibly manage the construction work and will take the appropriate measures in order to be mindful of the community. Here are the actions planned to reduce potential impacts for the community.

Noise

  • Low impact activities are being completed.
  • The duration of the construction will be short.
  • It is not expected that the construction noise will impact the community.

Traffic

  • Bypass road will be used to bring aggregates from Site D to Construction area.
  • Most of the work will be completed on Agnico Eagle leased property

Health & Safety

  • Construction area will be restricted to workers to ensure public safety.
  • Signs located at the entrance of the work site area will be put in place.

Communication

  • Buoys and signs will be put in place for in-water work.
  • Short duration of in-water work.
  • Access to Melvin Bay will not be restricted to local community.
Will community members be able to pass through the site during construction?2019-06-10T17:57:55+00:00

The community members will not be able to pass through the onshore construction site, but the sea portion will remain accessible. The community members will be able to launch their boat from the Itivia boat launch and access sea. While at sea, the construction team will not be in the community member’s way. We are expecting that approximately 27 days will be needed for the on-shore construction, which includes:

  • Approximately 11 days of work for the installation of the pipe;
  • Approximately 16 days of waiting time to get the Bay clear of ice.

Once construction will be completed, the Melvin Bay area where the Saline Water Diffuser is, will be accessible for anyone in
the community.

Note that the number of days required for the construction are subject to change.

Will the water quality be affected? Will it be monitored?2019-06-10T18:00:04+00:00

We will sample water prior to discharge and validate against Metal and Diamond Mining Effl uent regulation (MDMER). If the water meets the criteria, we will discharge a certain quantity per day as per the approval we received.

Modelling showed that the water will mix within a few meters from the diffuser once it is discharged into Melvin Bay and it will not contaminate the bay.

We will also conduct additional monitoring as per MDMER such as sampling around the diffuser location, biological studies in the receiving environment, etc. The Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) will also be involved in the monitoring.

Note that the purpose of the MDMER is to reduce threats to fi sh and their habitat by improving the management of harmful substances in metal and diamond mining effl uent. You can fi nd more information on their regulations by visiting the following website: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/

Where can I go for questions or to express a concern?2019-06-10T18:01:17+00:00

You can reach our community representative at our Rankin Inlet office at (867) 645-2920 x4603199 or send them an email at rankininlet@agnicoeagle.com

If you have any concerns, you can do so via our Nunavut Community Complaints System – Tusaajugut at tusaajugut@agnicoeagle.com or call us toll-free at 1-844-323-3002.

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