MEND/NEDEM
Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND)
About MEND: History and Mandate
The Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) Program was established in 1989 by the Canadian mining industry, together with the federal and provincial governments, to address the environmental and financial challenges associated with acidic drainage from mine waste. Since its establishment, MEND has evolved to address the broader issue of metal leaching and acid rock drainage (ML/ARD).
MEND’s mandate is to develop and share science-based information, technologies and best practices that improve the environmental management of mine waste throughout the mine life cycle. The program places a strong emphasis on case studies, practical guidance documents and technology transfer activities to help practitioners apply research findings and lessons learned from mine sites. These resources help practitioners and regulators make informed decisions about ML/ARD throughout mine planning, operation, closure and post-closure, supporting the long-term environmental management of mine sites.
MEND is directed by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee with representatives from the mining industry, federal, provincial and territorial governments, and non-governmental organizations. This membership brings together operational experience, scientific and technical expertise, and government and environmental perspectives to identify shared priorities and guide the program’s research and knowledge-sharing activities. By drawing on these different perspectives, the committee helps ensure that MEND’s work addresses practical challenges relevant to those involved in managing the environmental impacts of mining.
Through collaborative research, technical studies and knowledge sharing, MEND has supported the development of practical approaches for predicting, preventing, controlling and treating ML/ARD. The program also supports international collaboration as the Canadian partner in the Global Alliance, an international partnership among organizations involved in acidic drainage research, led by the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP). Through these partnerships, MEND contributes Canadian expertise and benefits from international research and experience, supporting continued progress in addressing ML/ARD in Canada and internationally.
MEND Secretariat Activities
CanmetMINING serves as the Secretariat for the MEND Program on behalf of the Mining Association of Canada. CanmetMINING’s mandate aligns with MEND’s work on the prediction, prevention and management of metal leaching and acid rock drainage (ML/ARD) from excavated rock and processed waste.
The Secretariat coordinates collaboration among government, industry, academia and other organizations to support the research priorities identified by the Steering Committee. It provides administrative and technical support by coordinating research projects, organizing committee meetings, preparing and distributing meeting minutes, assisting with technical publications, and supporting workshops and other knowledge-sharing activities.
New MEND/INAP Report
Final Phase I Summary Report: Geochemical Processes of Geotechnical Significance
A new technical report prepared by SRK Consulting summarizing key geochemical processes that can affect tailings storage facility performance and dam stability.
