Health, safety, and mine environments research in the mining laboratories of CANMET, Natural Resources Canada

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 90, No. 1010, 1997

J.E. Udd and M.C. Bétournay CANMET, Mining Laboratories, Ottawa, Canada

The Mining Laboratories of CANMET are the principal federal government vehicle for the delivery of mining research in Canada. With research being performed at five locations, which are mostly mining communities, the laboratories are in close proximity to the industry which they serve. The Mining Laboratories have three principal roles: (1) to support government in its development of policy; (2) to aid industry in the enhancement of productivity; and (3) to improve the health and safety of Canadians, both in the workplace in mines and around abandoned mine sites. From 1994 to 1996, CANMET’s mining research was re-focused into four programs. These are: (1) Underground Mine Environments; (2) Mine Mechanization and Automation; (3) Ground Control, and; (4) Coal Mining Health and Safety. In this paper, the authors outline the work of the Mining Laboratories and also identify the areas considered to be primary targets for follow future mining health and safety research in Canada.

Mots Clés: Safety, Health, Environment.