Its location in the Canadian Arctic means Xstrata Nickel’s Raglan operation is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change. Raglan’s tailings management system relies on permafrost and may be impacted by warmer average temperatures.

Raglan is implementing a climate change strategy to investigate and minimise risks from global warming. We have commissioned a team of experts to conduct research into the integrity of its tailings disposal area as climate change risks are exacerbated. Research and monitoring is ongoing, but analysis to date suggests the present disposal method is valid.

The mine is also committed to reducing its own carbon footprint. It has established an energy efficiency committee to identify energy-saving opportunities and investigate the possibility of utilising renewable power sources in the Arctic.

The biodiversity of this northern region is also at high risk. One concern is that warmer weather may delay the formation of ice over hydroelectric reservoirs and in doing so disrupt migration routes or cause mass drowning if caribou attempt to cross thin ice. Raglan is contributing a total of $125,000 in cash, as well as $225,000 in-kind research support, to a project to examine the effects of climate change and mining activities on migratory caribou.