>>>I think the lease that solvex had called for dry land technology (no tailings ponds). I would think the extension of this lease would also call for the dry land technology. There are not that many dry land technology process around.<<<
Mike,
According to the Alberta Department of Energy: The lease in question does not (nor did it) forbid, restrict or regulate the use of a tailings pond. In fact, none of the Alberta leases do. They are all pretty much the same be the user Syncrude, Suncor, Solv-Ex or Koch. The use, or non-use, of a tailings pond might be in the overall mining plan that is submitted with the lease application, but this plan is not part of the lease. Besides the plan can be changed at any time for any number of reasons. In other words, if a dry land technology was specified in the plan for this lease extension, nothing prevents Koch from changing it to the existing technology in the area. Few plans limit themselves by specifically identifying one particular technology but rather hide behind terms like "the prevailing mining technology" or "using current technology". A mining company still must adhere to all applicable laws and environmental regulations, but apparently there is no current problem with the use of tailings ponds.
It is my hope that the relationship that is forming between SOLV, UTS and Koch gives the Solv-Ex technology the exposure it might need to win the technology "race".
regards,
bigtoe |
