An Alberta-based company proposing silica sand mining in Manitoba is teaming up with the largest university in the province to develop an innovative groundwater monitoring network utilizing cutting-edge technology crucial for global groundwater studies. Sio Silica’s president, Carla Devlin, disclosed that the collaboration with the University of Manitoba will involve a feasibility examination and the creation of a sophisticated, non-intrusive system capable of real-time monitoring of aquifer conditions.
This partnership coincides with Sio Silica’s renewed interest in extracting sand from the sandstone aquifer beneath the Rural Municipality of Springfield in southeastern Manitoba. In response to the NDP government’s rejection of their initial license application in 2024 due to concerns over potential impacts on water quality and subsurface stability, Sio Silica adjusted its strategy. The company’s revised plan involves drilling fewer wells over an extended period to extract a reduced amount of silica sand, essential for various industries like solar panel manufacturing, hydraulic fracking, and construction.
Devlin emphasized that the collaboration with the university is independent of their latest environmental license pursuit but symbolizes a commitment to transparency in their project’s progression. She highlighted that the research initiative aims to comprehensively understand the aquifer’s dynamics rather than addressing past license concerns specifically.
The research project, acclaimed as a “game changer” by Sio Silica’s technology team, will focus on studying the southern Manitoba aquifer system holistically, generating an extensive groundwater database invaluable for informed decision-making. The University of Manitoba’s associate professor, Ricardo Mantilla, leading the project, stated that they would employ quantum gravimetry to measure gravitational field changes, indicating groundwater movement. Mantilla stressed that while this technology can quantify groundwater volumes, it does not assess water quality.
Acknowledging the importance of the research for both Sio Silica and the broader provincial context, Mantilla highlighted the necessity of understanding water interactions in Manitoba’s surface and groundwater systems. This sentiment was echoed by hydrogeologist Landon Halloran, emphasizing the significance of monitoring groundwater resources to safeguard essential water supplies. He noted that gravimetry could potentially reduce the need for costly well drilling, aligning with Sio Silica’s revised approach of minimizing environmental impact while advancing their mining operations.
