Protecting the Environment: A Collaborative Win at Minto Mine

When the Minto Mine ceased operations, it left behind more than infrastructure; there were also environmental considerations that required careful management. One of the key concerns involved aged xanthates, flotation chemicals that had been stored on-site for over a decade. Xanthates are classified as Class 4.2 spontaneously combustible substances, and presented a high-level potential safety and environmental risks to the surrounding area.

Recognizing the risk, the Selkirk First Nation and the Government of Yukon made the remediation of these chemicals a top priority. That’s where Quadra came in.

Quadra was asked by our Indigenous partner to lead the safe removal and responsible disposal of these legacy materials. With the collaboration and support of Selkirk First Nation, Selkirk Development Corporation, and dedicated teams from the Government of Yukon and Prospec Chemicals, the project team quickly got to work.

In Fall 2023, Quadra and Prospec Chemicals traveled to the remote Minto Mine site to assess the condition of the stored xanthates and determine the safest path forward. Despite their age, most of the packaging had held up remarkably well, allowing for direct shipment. However, three damaged bags required special overpack to ensure they could be transported without risk.

Altogether, we removed over 64 metric tonnes of hazardous materials. This included 96 boxes of Potassium Amyl Xanthate (KAX), totaling over 57,000 kg, alongside drums and loose bags. An additional 3,200 kg of Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate (SIPX) was also extracted from the site.

The Government of Yukon took on the responsibility of transport logistics, ensuring that licensed HAZMAT carriers were engaged, and all Canadian dangerous goods regulations were met. The materials were safely delivered to Prospec’s facility in Fort Saskatchewan, where they were either neutralized, recycled, or destroyed adhering to proper product handling and usage guidelines. This project successfully removed a significant chemical liability from a sensitive site, greatly reducing the risk of combustion and environmental contamination. It also demonstrated the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when, government bodies, Indigenous businesses, and industry partners collaborate and build strong relationships.

This effort was more than a clean-up, it was a commitment to doing things the right way, to protecting the land, and to respecting the communities we serve. Quadra is proud to have played a part in this important environmental success story.

Thank you to everyone involved and who played in instrumental role in making this a success!