Pierre River Mine Project

MINING AND PROCESSING ERCB SIRS 3 – 38
Question No. 31
Section 4.1
Request Volume 1, Section 4.1, Page 4-1 to 4-3, Supplemental Information Responses.
Shell states, “This update identifies the methodology and techniques that will be
applied to ensure that the Pierre River Mine development complies with ERCB
Directive 074.”
31a Update Table 7-2: Volume 2 of the Pierre River Mine Application, according to
the tailings management plan described in Section 4.1.
Response 31a Table 7-2 in Volume 2, Section 7 of the Pierre River Mine application, outlines
the tailings activity sequence. The sequence is a general list of activities for
external and in-pit tailings disposal. The operating dates for the external tailings
disposal area (ETDA) will not change in relation to current Directive 074
compliance planning. Consistent with the Jackpine Mine, Pierre River Mine will
use an external tailings disposal area with a thickened tailings cell for about 10
years after start-up. When sufficient space is mined in-pit, non-segregating
tailings (NST) deposition will begin.
Question No. 32
As outlined in the May 2009 Pierre River Mine, Supplemental Information,
Volume 1, Section 4.1, page 4-1, Shell intends to meet the objectives of ERCB
Directive 074 by enhancing the tailings plan outlined in the application with one,
or a combination of, the following:
• applying the appropriate thickener design
• using coagulants
• potentially recycling thin fine tailings (TFT) to a supplemental thickening
process
The strategy implemented at the Pierre River Mine will be based on experience
gained from the Jackpine Mine and other industry applications at existing mines.
The Jackpine Mine ETDA will be commissioned in 2010 in conjunction with a
thickened tailings dedicated disposal area (DDA). Experience gained at the
Jackpine Mine in technology development and tailings operations and
management will be considered at the Pierre River Mine to meet the objectives of
ERCB Directive 074.
Request Volume 2, Section 3.2, Page 3-11.
Shell states, “In 2006 and 2007, under 100 auger holes were initiated to evaluate
OB.” In Volume 1, Section 10.1, Page 10-165, Supplemental Information
Responses, Shell states, “Pierre River Mine planning considered 75% of the
overburden and interburden material to be acceptable dyke construction
4-30 Shell Canada Limited April 2010
CR029