A public benefit company named Regeneration, based in Washington, is embarking on a mission to clean up land and water sources in the Yukon, B.C., and Alaska while also turning a profit. The initiative involves using advanced technology to extract metals from waste materials found at old mining sites. Regeneration has formed partnerships with renowned companies like Apple, Tiffany and Co., and Mejuri, a Canadian jewelry brand, who have committed to purchasing metals obtained from legacy mine sites and supporting restoration endeavors.
The project, which kicked off over a decade ago, initially targeted locations in the North where historic placer mining activities have left behind extensive sediment and waste rock in water bodies and their surroundings. CEO Stephen D’Esposito highlighted that jewelry and technology firms are increasingly conscious of environmental challenges within the mining sector and are eager to contribute to solutions.
Regeneration’s focus is on reviving legacy sites, some dating back a century, by extracting any remaining gold from waste and rejuvenating streams and vegetation to create a habitat conducive for species like salmon and grayling. The company has witnessed remarkable outcomes, with biologist Carly Vynne, serving as Regeneration’s chief restoration officer, noting the swift return of anadromous fish to restored sites.
Major jewelry brands like Mejuri view this project as an opportunity to align with their sustainability objectives and meet growing consumer demand for ethically sourced products. Holly McHugh, Mejuri’s vice president of sustainability and social impact, emphasized the importance of offering fully traceable jewelry produced through partnerships with refineries capable of handling small batches of gold separately to ensure traceability back to the source.
Regeneration’s initiative, known as “Salmon Gold,” saw its debut jewelry pieces from Mejuri released last year, with a new line set for launch on October 13. The venture, initially a non-profit venture by the NGO Resolve, evolved into the startup Regeneration in 2021, aiming for more ambitious outcomes.
Recognizing the prevalence of abandoned, polluting mines across Canada, D’Esposito pointed out the high costs associated with mine site remediation, typically funded by taxpayers. Regeneration’s unique approach centers on the belief that there is untapped financial potential in waste cleanup, challenging the traditional mining industry focus on opening and financing new mines rather than addressing existing waste issues.
The company’s strategy involves leveraging modern technology and equipment to revisit old mining sites, reprocessing toxic waste to eliminate pollutants and recover valuable metals. By reprocessing waste rock and tailings, Regeneration aims not only to enhance water quality but also to extract critical minerals previously overlooked.
Regeneration’s efforts have extended to locations like Hedley, B.C., for tailings cleanup, with ongoing discussions with First Nations and the federal government for various projects in the Yukon. While uncertainties persist about the long-term sustainability of remediated sites, Sebastian Jones from the Yukon Conservation Society commended the company’s innovative approach to tackling age-old environmental concerns, describing it as a catalyst for positive change.