BHP wins BC Reclamation Award for 30-year Island Copper Mine cleanup
BHP received the Annual Reclamation Award from the BC Technical Research Committee on Reclamation for its ongoing work at the former Island Copper Mine near Port Hardy, British Columbia. The honor recognizes three decades of monitoring and maintenance efforts that have restored the site since the mine closed in 1995.
The mine, which operated from 1971 to 1995, contained over 1 billion tons of ore and employed 900 residents at its peak, growing Port Hardy into a town of 5,000. To manage the environmental impact of the 1,320-foot deep pit, BHP flooded it with seawater to create a stratified lake that neutralizes acid rock drainage.
Since May 2001, the company has fertilized the surface waters every 7–10 days to stimulate plankton blooms. These blooms absorb heavy metals and oxygen, preventing mineral oxidation and protecting the water system. The TRCR noted that these efforts have enhanced environmental protection and improved the site's resilience to extreme weather.
Why it matters: Proactive reclamation transforms hazardous industrial sites into stable, monitored ecosystems.
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