News Release: Bacteria, glass, and cement could be long-term Giant Mine solutions

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Researchers have identified naturally occurring bacteria at Giant Mine that could prove useful in permanently dealing with the site’s toxic legacy.

Giant Mine operated on the outskirts of Yellowknife from 1948 to 2004. The former gold mine now sits on 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide – a highly toxic dust stored in underground chambers.

Arsenic trioxide dissolves easily in water, but it’s possible to convert the substance into a mineral known as arsenic sulfide that is up to 10,000 times less soluble, potentially providing a safer means of long-term storage.

Read Article on the Cabin Radio Website.

Read the GMOB Program Research Report Nov 2023 on the Giant Mine Oversight Board Website.