NLIS 3
August 4, 2003
(Mines and Energy)

 

Hope Brook tender contract awarded

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel today announced that the final tender contract for the demolition and site rehabilitation at the former Hope Brook mine site has been awarded to Eastern Demolition and Recyclers Limited of St. John�s.

Seven proposals were submitted to the Department of Mines and Energy in June. Proposals were evaluated based upon sound technical analysis and overall cost, and addressed the demolition of on-site infrastructure, clean-up of remaining contaminated soil and rock fill, capping of mine shafts, security fence construction and general site rehabilitation.

"This contract signifies the final stages of reclamation activities at the former Hope Brook mine," said Minister Noel. "The site is currently in compliance with respective environmental regulations, however, all materials must be removed from the site to ensure that these standards are maintained in the future.

"Efforts to date to clean-up the site have already resulted in significant improvements. The quality of the water discharged into the Cinq Cerf salmon river has improved over 85 per cent in comparison to samples taken before reclamation activities commenced. We are confident that these latest activities will further reduce the level of pollutants at the site and remain compliant with the respective environmental regulations designed to protect the natural area.

"Now that this site is almost fully rehabilitated, government will ensure that the people of the province do not have to pay for such activities in the future. The new regulations established in the Mining Act (2000) now ensure that mining companies have financial assurances for site clean-up in place before operating a new mine in the province. This will guarantee that funds will be available for rehabilitation once a mine has shut down."

MHA for the District of Burgeo-LaPoile, Kelvin Parsons, said he is pleased the contract has been awarded. "Many residents in my district were employed during the first phase of the clean-up," said Minister Parsons. "I'm hopeful my constituents will be given the same opportunity this time."

The Hope Brook Gold Mine operated from 1987 to 1997. In 1999, Royal Oak Mines Inc., the owner of the site, entered into receivership. Ownership of the site was subsequently transferred to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador by the Ontario Superior Court on December 13, 1999.

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777

2003 08 04                                       3:00 p.m.


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