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Case Study

Campbell Mine

In the past, Placer Dome's Campbell Mine (Northern Ontario, Canada) produced a toxic effluent. Microbial Technologies was asked to help develop a constructed wetland to fully detoxify the discharge from its polishing pond, a volume of approximately 2 million m3/year.

A nine hectare wetland was constructed in 1999 to treat water during the ice-free season (June to October). Start up problems were quickly ironed out, thanks to the close collaboration between Microbial staff and mine personnel. Since then, copper and (un-ionized) ammonia have been consistently removed, even when flows exceed 2,500 gpm. Other contaminants are also removed, although their contribution to toxicity is minor. The wetland's ability to fully detoxify mine water is attested by the thriving and diverse wildlife it supports, including endangered leopard frogs.

By implementing this innovative, inexpensive solution, the Campbell Mine became one of the first gold mines in Ontario to produce a non-toxic discharge. Microbial Technologies is proud to have assisted them in achieving this notable milestone.