Assessment of reclamation techniques at the Iron Ore Company of Canada: Carol Lake Mine operation, Labrador, Newfoundland

The Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC) in Labrador City, Newfoundland, required an investigation into possible reclamation techniques on the waste rock piles at the IOCC Carol Lake Mine in Labrador. This study was initiated to test a number of reclamation techniques that included using different seed and fertilizer mixtures and application methods as practical approaches to reclaiming IOCC waste rock piles. Although only a short period was available to assess vegetation growth and performance, the research plots provided insight into possible mine reclamation techniques that can be used, not only for the Carol Lake Mine, but for other mining operations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The salvage and use of overburden as a soil amendment proved to be an effective technique, with oats proving to be an excellent nurse crop, as well as providing insight into the soil productivity of the reclamation plots.