STOP 1:
Former Brenda Mine SiteOur first stop of the day will be at the former Brenda Mine site, 22 kilometers west of Westbank along Highway 97C. This is the site of a now closed copper and molybdenum open pit mine.
This site was mined profitably for 21 years. This was an astonishing accomplishment considering that at 0.184% copper and 0.049% molybdenum it was the lowest grade copper - molybdenum mine in the world.
This site was closed in April of 1990 and has been undergoing decommissioning activities including land reclamation and water treatment since that time.
Mine decomission efforts involve trying to return the site to as near a natural state as possible. This includes the removal of buildings, re-establishment of soil, planting of vegetation, and treatment of mine discharge water. The water that is filling the pit is slightly basic and contains some dissolved metals. Since the water discharged from this site may eventually end up in Okanagan Lake it must meet drinking and irrigation standards. Water quality control guidelines indicate that the levels for molybdenum in the water may have to be as low as 250 parts per billion. In order to meet these guidelines, Brenda Mines Ltd. has constructed a water treatment facility at the site.
The Pit Now Filled With Water
Water Treatment Facility
Above and Below: Today Vegetation Grows on Reclaimed Land
The Pit Still Scars the Landscape Today
We will be able to see the results of the on going decommissioning efforts and view the pit and water treatment facility at this stop. There are no organized tours of the facilities any longer.
DAY 3 OVERVIEW HOME NEXT STOP
