Programming Details: 30 Minutes

Britannia went from a major mine to a major environmental issue. It then went on to become an example of how a mine site can be successfully remediated. This program introduces the Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) pollution issue faced at Britannia as well as how it was mitigated.

Area of Focus:

• Environmental Remediation

What your students will see and do:

• Learn about Acid Mine Drainage and how it was an environmental issue at Britannia
• Learn how the environmental issues were addressed at Britannia
• Test mine water to determine its pH and copper content
• Adjust the pH of mine water, replicating one step in the Britannia water treatment process

Big Ideas:

• Grade 5: Natural resources continue to shape the economy and identity of different regions of Canada.
• Grade 5: Earth Materials change as they move through the rock cycle and can be used as natural resources.
• Grade 6: Economic self-interest can be a significant cause of conflict among peoples and governments.