RCEN - Call for Delegates - ENGO Reviewers for MEND Steering Committee Reports and Research Papers

Call for Delegates

ENGO Reviewers for Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) Steering Committee Reports and Research Papers

When: Periodic review of technical reports and research papers
Number of ENGO delegates sought: Several to form a roster of potential reviewers
Deadline to apply: Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The RCEN Mining Caucus is currently seeking to build a short list of potential ENGO reviewers for MEND reports and research papers. These papers are technical in nature and are focused on various aspects (ranging from prevention to remediation) of Acid Mine Drainage and Metal Leaching. Reviews will be requested periodically at presently undetermined times.

Selected reviewers will be paid up to $1,000 per review depending on the length of the paper under review.

If you are interested in applying to be a reviewer of MEND reports and research papers, please complete the online application form (ensure that you have the latest version of Adobe Reader). The deadline for applications is December 23, 2009.

For more information, please contact Daniel Casselman, National Caucus Coordinator at (613) 728-9810 ext. 236 or visit the MEND website.

Selection Criteria:

Good understanding of AMD/ML impacts (see below);
Good technical understanding of AMD/ML prevention and remediation;
Proven ability to critically analyze scientific research;
Understanding of the scientific peer review process;
Good writing skills; and
RCEN member in good standing.

Delegate Expectations:

Willingness and ability to respond to requests in a timely manner;
Ability to conduct reviews on a short turnaround time; and,
Ability to effectively contribute to a multi-stakeholder process.

Background
The Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) research program, which addresses issues relating to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and Metals Leaching (ML) at mine sites, has been operational since 1989. While the mandate of MEND in its first decade was driven by industry’s need to find a solution to AMD/ML challenges, a more inclusive model of shared goals and long-term requirements has become the ruling principle. Another very important aspect of MEND remains technology transfer, with annual conferences scheduled to share information and knowledge from research and/or operational experience.

The MEND organization is comprised of representatives from government, industry and ENGOs (through the RCEN) within a framework of affiliations and the MEND Steering Committee working group. Recently, academics have also begun to participate in MEND workshops.

While MEND is focused upon technological issues, there have been growing opportunities to address environmental priorities for research projects, to challenge industry/consultant assumptions, and to assess the integrity of the research.