R&D Program for Source Control and Water Treatment in Mining-Affected Watersheds

Teck Resources Limited’s research and development program aims to improve water treatment technologies and develop long-term strategies for managing water quality at the source. They report a successful field trial of saturated rock fills, which demonstrated approximately 90% removal of selenium and nitrate. Additional efforts included ongoing monitoring of other source control projects and development work on water treatment infrastructure, such as the Site 1 Active Water Treatment Facility South. The research program covers both source control and active treatment, with integrated studies addressing contaminant release, capture, and treatment processes.

The field trial results suggest that saturated rock fills are a promising semi-passive source control technology for water management, potentially offering an alternative or complement to active treatment for large volumes of mine-impacted water. The program made progress across most targeted research areas, advancing knowledge on flow mechanisms in waste rock, geochemical release, and nitrate reduction. Evaluation of the technologies indicated their applicability at specific sites, supporting ongoing adaptive management planning.