Effects of iron mining on surface water quality in the Schefferville area

Iron mining in the Schefferville, Quebec, area has resulted in the disruption of some small surface drainage systems and the discharge of large amounts of pumped groundwater into them. Major ion concentrations in surface waters is controlled by the occurrence of the Denault (dolomite) formation, and little change is caused by the mining activities. Acidification of some of the waters by acid precipitation is a potential problem, but no health hazards are likely to accrue from the effects of iron mining on the surface water quality.