A researcher from Laurentian University is preparing to initiate a study using honey bees to aid in remediation efforts at the Côté Gold Mine near Gogama, Ontario. Mateus Pepinelli secured a $100,000 grant from IAMGOLD to collaborate on a two-year research project. The bees will gather environmental DNA from the areas being restored by the company near the mine site, serving as data collectors for the researchers.
This summer, Pepinelli and a team from IAMGOLD will establish three apiaries around the remediation zones close to the mine. Each apiary will be equipped with a small fan containing a filter designed to capture traces of DNA brought into the hive by the bees. The filters will trap minute particles from the external environment that the bees come in contact with.
Following this, Pepinelli and his team will retrieve the filters and extract the environmental DNA for further analysis in a laboratory. The collected data will provide valuable insights into various plant species, microorganisms, pathogens, and unwanted elements like varroa mites present in the hive surroundings.
Jessica Tratnik, IAMGOLD’s environmental and social governance lead at the Côté Gold Mine, mentioned that the data obtained from the honey bees will enhance the company’s understanding of the progress of their rehabilitation initiatives. By monitoring ecological changes continuously through the bees, they can identify potential shortages in plant species or issues related to pollination that may go unnoticed.
Tratnik emphasized the efficiency of using bees to consistently gather information compared to relying solely on periodic observations. This method allows for a more comprehensive and continuous assessment of the ecological landscape, ensuring a proactive approach to land rehabilitation. Graeme Jennings, IAMGOLD’s vice-president of investor relations, highlighted that the Coté Gold Mine has a projected lifespan of over 20 years, emphasizing the long-term commitment to sustainable mining practices and land restoration.