Agnico Eagle is committed to responsible mining practices and the sustainable development of resources, which is why we strive to exceed regulatory requirements when it comes to our mine closure and rehabilitation obligations.
Located just under two hours south-east of Darwin is the Cosmo Mine, which ceased production in February 2020. Work commenced on the Cosmo Howley rehabilitation strategy in October 2020, under Kirkland Lake Gold ownership, and Agnico Eagle continued the commitment to implementing this closure strategy following the merger in February 2022.
The Cosmo Howley rehabilitation strategy addresses the complex challenges associated with acid metalliferous drainage (AMD) and is an important project at the forefront of AMD rehabilitation in Australia.
To remediate the acid-generating material and remove it from the landscape, the project has dismantled the Howley and Mottrams waste rock dumps and transferred the material to backfill the Cosmo open pit. Water from the Howley Streak is being treated and then transferred into the Cosmo open pit to form a water cap that is 10-20 metres deep, preventing further acid generation. This $80M investment will ensure that the waste rock doesn’t generate any contamination at the site, and it is pleasing to already be seeing signs that the area is being repopulated by a range of native fauna who have been spotted enjoying the new lake that has been created from the pit.
Read more about the Cosmo Howley rehabilitation and closure strategy in the document attached below.
FGM’s commitment to rehabilitation
At Fosterville Gold Mine we are committed to progressively rehabilitating our site and exceeding our closure obligations, as evidenced by the Rehe’s Pit backfill and rehabilitation project, the progressive rehabilitation of McCormicks Waste Rock Dump, and the successful TSF2 biosolids rehabilitation trial.
FGM’s rehabilitation objectives, approach and end-land use outcomes are detailed within our approved Rehabilitation and Closure Plan. Mine rehabilitation is complex and requires extensive planning, and we will continue to consult with key stakeholders and the community throughout the planning process to ensure our rehabilitation objectives are achieved.
If you have any questions about FGM’s rehabilitation commitments or environmental management practices, please feel free to email us at: fgmcommunity@agnicoeagle.com
