An Alberta-based company looking to mine silica sand in Manitoba has announced a collaboration with the largest university in the province to develop an innovative groundwater monitoring network. This partnership aims to create a cutting-edge system for real-time tracking of aquifer health, utilizing advanced technology crucial for global groundwater research.
Sio Silica’s president, Carla Devlin, emphasized that the collaboration with the University of Manitoba will focus on conducting a feasibility study and designing a scientifically robust, non-invasive monitoring system. The goal is to not only benefit the company’s mining project but also contribute to responsible resource management practices across Manitoba.
The initiative comes as Sio Silica pushes forward with its plans to extract sand from the sandstone aquifer located beneath the Rural Municipality of Springfield in southeastern Manitoba. Previously, the company faced rejection in 2024 for a sand extraction license due to concerns about potential impacts on water quality and underground stability.
Originally, Sio Silica proposed drilling thousands of wells over a 25-year period to extract silica sand for various industrial purposes. However, community opposition and environmental worries led the company to revise its plans, scaling down the project scope and adopting a more gradual approach to secure the necessary environmental permits.
Devlin clarified that the collaboration with the university is distinct from the company’s license application process but demonstrates a commitment to transparency and scientific rigor in their operations. The research project aims to enhance understanding of the aquifer system and provide valuable data for informed decision-making.
Utilizing quantum gravimetry technology, the research project led by Ricardo Mantilla, an associate professor at the University of Manitoba, will monitor changes in the gravitational field to track groundwater movements. While this technology can quantify groundwater levels, it does not assess water quality.
Experts highlight the significance of this research not only for Sio Silica’s operations but also for the broader water management landscape in Manitoba. Understanding the intricate interactions between surface and groundwater is crucial for sustainable water resource management in the region.
The use of quantum gravimetry in groundwater monitoring has gained traction globally, with applications in developing advanced monitoring devices. While this technology offers broad-scale insights, its spatial resolution limits detailed assessments at localized levels.
By adopting innovative monitoring techniques like gravimetry, companies like Sio Silica aim to reduce the need for costly traditional monitoring wells. Protecting and monitoring groundwater resources is essential for safeguarding water quality and ensuring a sustainable water cycle for future generations.