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Mining and Petroleum Environmental Research Group (MPERG)
What is MPERG? The Mining and Petroleum Environment Research Group is a cooperative working group made up of government agencies, mining companies, Yukon First Nations and non-government organizations for the promotion of research into mining and environmental issues in the Yukon. It has been expanded to support environmental studies related to petroleum development. Participants bring their resources and knowledge to work cooperatively on mining environmental issues and projects. For example, a mining company may have research commitments for the environmental assessment and water licensing stages of mine development. Members of MPERG would identify those projects planned by the company which could have general application across the Yukon by the addition of extra funding or by broadening the scope of the work. An added feature of research commissioned by the Mining and Petroleum Environment Research Group is that in addition to the final technical report, the final project results must be provided in non-technical language. The results of research undertaken by MPERG would therefore be disseminated to a broad audience, including the general public, First Nations and communities. MPERG funds projects of interest including, but not limited to:
Benefits of MPERG Governments (federal, territorial and First Nations) will benefit by gaining a better understanding of environmental impacts and methods of reducing potential liabilities. Resource companies benefit by applying new technology designed to reduce environmental compliance costs. The public and affected communities benefit by an increased understanding of mining/environment issues.
Mining projects in the Yukon are subject to environmental assessment under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act. Scientific uncertainty is a factor during assessment of mining and petroleum projects due to new technology, different combinations of technology and northern environmental conditions, or simply different impacts from toxic-element releases to the environment. This creates uncertainty and delays in project development and may translate into higher development costs and increased potential liabilities to government. It would be beneficial to create a favorable environment to facilitate finding solutions before environmental problems in the Yukon arise. This approach was used for the Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) program. The MEND program was a cooperative effort between Canadian mining companies and provincial and federal departments. It was designed to develop and apply new technologies to prevent and control acid mine drainage. It is estimated that the liability due to acidic drainage has decreased by at least $400 million due to a research investment of $17.5 million over the eight year life of the program. The MEND program was completed in December, 1997; however, in light of its success, a post-MEND initiative funded by NRCan and the Mining Association of Canada emphasizing technology transfer has commenced.
The MPERG deadline is March 31. Preference is given to projects with budgets of less than $10,000 and which meet the criteria listed in the terms of reference.
Project Criteria Projects may be brought forward by any member of the Advisory Group. Projects will be screened by the MPERG Steering Committee on an individual basis, although all projects must meet the following criteria:
Proposed Areas of Research Program areas for the group to focus on include:
The initial focus of MPERG is on technical projects. It should be noted that the terms of reference for MPERG could be broadened later, after some projects are successfully completed, to include socio-economic issues or other non-technical issues dealing with mining and the environment.
Project Ideas The following are some ideas for MPERG projects:
Funding and Administration The MPERG Steering Committee meets as required to discuss mining environmental issues, review proposals and track MPERG projects. The projects are carried out by Project Teams or Working Groups. The Project Team guides the project from planning to completion. Members of the project team may include a project leader (industry or government), other industry or government representatives who want to participate in the study, and a First Nation representative (traditional territory where project is located). Non-government organizations may also be able to contribute on a Project Team. If a particular project is one which includes traditional ecological knowledge as a component, the First Nation representative may help coordinate or guide the Project Team in consultations with the local community. MPERG funding to date has been provided by Yukon Government, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and the federal government through Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. Environment Canada has also contributed financially. Contributions in kind through staff time, site access, labor and technical expertise provided by the general MPERG membership on a project-by-project basis.
How to Submit a Proposal Karen Pelletier E-mail: MPERG@gov.yk.ca The following information is required in a project proposal:
Generally, a one or two page submission is recommended as the initial proposal. It is suggested that proponents develop proposals in partnership with one or more mining companies, affected First Nations or non-government organizations. From time to time MPERG may invite bids on specific projects.
Sample Project Proposal Form Mining and Petroleum Environment Research Group Name of Project: Proponent: Funding Required: Contact Information (Name, phone, fax number, e-mail): Project Objective: Project Description: Project Budget Benefit to Yukon:
Projects funded for 2005
For more information contact:
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Last Updated 19-06-2006