Chapter 8

Monitoring is the process of routinely gathering information for use in management decision making. Mine-site monitoring aims to identify and characterize any environmental changes from mining activities to assess conditions on the site and possible impacts to receptors. Monitoring is critical in decision making related to ARD management, for instance, through assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures and subsequent implementation of adjustments as required.

This chapter presents guidelines and tools for establishing a monitoring program at mine sites with the potential for sulfide mineral oxidation. General aspects of monitoring are discussed first, with monitoring specific to ARD sources discussed later in this chapter. Generic guidance provided can be used to develop site-specific monitoring approaches for assessing contamination, effects, and impacts. The guidance is intended to promote a monitoring program that will satisfy a company’s corporate responsibilities and commitment to sustainable mining, regulatory needs, stakeholder desire for relevant and useful information, and management requirements for relevant and meaningful information to support environmentally appropriate and cost-effective decision-making.