Location
Canada
Our Red Lake Operations has actively managed the Balmer Lake since the 1980s. The lake was previously a “tertiary polishing pond,” for cyanide and ammonia degradation and particle settling, receiving direct tailings deposition until 1980. The concerns for water quality, particularly for dissolved arsenic (As) prompted comprehensive assessments in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Studies have revealed a decline in total arsenic concentrations at the lake outlet from 2006 to 2022 and uncovered significant reductions in arsenic diffusive loads over time – signifying an improvement in water quality. These results also demonstrate the positive impacts of our team’s active water treatment in 2007 and commitment to rehabilitation, environmental stewardship and responsible water management.
Despite the progress, we remain committed to ongoing nutrient control measures and environmental management. The journey of understanding and safeguarding Balmer Lake’s environmental health continues, with each study bringing us closer to a more sustainable future for this vital ecosystem.
