Novel partnership of government, academia and industry spurs metals research network

Metal research in Canada is at the dawn of a new era, thanks to the Metals in the Environment (MITE) Research Network.

The MITE Research Network was formally initiated on July 1, 1998, after the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) agreed on the importance of MITE and committed $1.25 million and in-kind support for the research network for a five-year period. Ontario Power Generation Inc. (formerly a portion of Ontario Hydro) also committed a further $200,000 over two years.

Similarly, research partners at Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada also pledged support for the objectives of, and cooperation with, the MITE Research Network. MAC has also committed an additional $100,000 per year over five years in support of government/MITE related research activity. The government/MITE funds will be released upon finalization of a formal agreement now being discussed within the relevant government departments.

MITE aims to understand the sources of metals in the environment, how metals move and transform within the environment, and how they can affect ecosystems and human health. This understanding is essential for assessing the risk they may pose and determining how to reduce that risk. As one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of metals, Canada has a vital interest in developing effective ways to deal with these issues.

Through a series of workshops, the Canadian Network of Toxicology Centres (CNTC), in cooperation with its partners in government and industry, has identified important gaps in metals research and developed a multi-disciplinary research program.

Metals are naturally present throughout the Earth in varying concentrations. The concentration of a metal in a particular area can also be affected by human activities. Metals have been used for millenia as tools, building materials and decorative objects, and their use has expanded over time.

But too much -- or not enough -- of a metal in a bioavailable form (a form that plants or animals can absorb) can damage ecosystems and human health. Reducing the release of metals into the environment is good, but what should the ultimate goal be? Is existing "best available technology" good enough? Many metal products are recycled — metals like gold, copper, iron and lead are the most recycled materials used by society. But some smaller consumer products end up in landfills or incinerators. Does such disposal pose a long term risk? Should use of certain metals in some products be discontinued? National governments and international organizations are currently discussing these questions.

To ensure the objectivity and continuing scientific excellence of the MITE Research Network, all MITE research projects will be peer reviewed annually, and all funds are held and administered in trust through the Canadian Network of Toxicology Centres/University of Guelph head office. Other sources of funding, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council are currently being explored.

A steering committee was formed and worked through 1997 to develop a structure and research plan for a MITE research network which would help coordinate and integrate existing research and foster research necessary to fill gaps.

In November 1997, the MAC Board of Directors agreed on the importance of MITE and approved financial and in-kind support for the research network for a five-year period. Ontario Power Generation Inc. (formerly a portion of Ontario Hydro), reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship, is providing financial and in-kind support for the network from 1998 to 2002.