A researcher from Laurentian University is preparing to launch a unique project utilizing honey bees to assist in restoration efforts at the Côté Gold Mine near Gogama, Ontario. Mateus Pepinelli secured a $100,000 grant from IAMGOLD to collaborate on the two-year initiative. The bees will gather environmental DNA from the areas being revitalized by the company surrounding the mine site.
Describing the bees as “research assistants,” Pepinelli explained how they will gather data for the project. Over the summer, Pepinelli and a team from IAMGOLD will establish three apiaries in the remediation zones near the mine. At each apiary, a small fan with a filter will be set up to capture DNA traces brought in by the bees.
Pepinelli elaborated on the process of filtering air from the bee colonies to detect ecological interactions and collect traces of DNA. The team will retrieve the filters and extract the environmental DNA for laboratory analysis, uncovering various plant and microorganism species, including pathogens and unwanted elements like varroa mites.
Jessica Tratnik, IAMGOLD’s environmental and social governance lead at the Côté Gold Mine, highlighted the significance of the data gathered from the honey bees for monitoring the progress of rehabilitation efforts. The information will aid in understanding ecological changes and potential shortages of specific plant species, as well as pollination challenges. Tratnik emphasized the bees’ effectiveness in providing consistent data compared to manual observations over time.
Graeme Jennings, IAMGOLD’s vice president of investor relations, mentioned that the Coté Gold Mine is expected to operate for over 20 years, positioning it as a long-term asset. Tratnik emphasized the importance of ongoing rehabilitation efforts to ensure the timely restoration of the landscape, rather than waiting until production ceases.
