An Alberta-based company aiming to extract silica sand in Manitoba has joined forces with the largest university in the province to develop a cutting-edge groundwater monitoring network. The collaboration with the University of Manitoba will focus on creating a sophisticated system to monitor aquifer health in real-time, utilizing advanced technology crucial for global groundwater research.
Sio Silica’s president, Carla Devlin, emphasized that the partnership goes beyond their mining project and aims to establish a robust and non-invasive monitoring system for sustainable resource management in Manitoba. The initiative comes as Sio Silica renews its efforts to extract sand from the sandstone aquifer beneath the Rural Municipality of Springfield in southeastern Manitoba.
Previously, in 2024, the NDP government had denied Sio Silica’s request for a sand extraction license due to concerns about potential impacts on water quality and underground stability. The company’s original proposal involved drilling thousands of wells over two and a half decades to extract silica sand used in various industries. However, community opposition raised environmental worries and fears of water contamination.
In response, Sio Silica revised its plan, reducing the number of wells and sand extraction rates in a bid to secure an environmental license. The current partnership with the University of Manitoba focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the aquifer through advanced monitoring techniques and data transparency, aiming to address past concerns and ensure science-based decision-making.
The research project, described as a ‘game changer’ by Sio Silica’s technology team, will utilize quantum gravimetry to measure gravitational field changes linked to groundwater movements. This innovative approach, led by University of Manitoba’s associate professor Ricardo Mantilla, offers insights into groundwater quantities, although it does not assess water quality.
Mantilla highlighted the significance of the project not only for Sio Silica but also for Manitoba as a whole, where surface and groundwater interactions play a vital role in the province’s hydrological cycle. The use of gravimetry technology represents a step towards enhancing groundwater monitoring efficiency and sustainability, aligning with Sio Silica’s goal of minimizing well drilling activities.
In conclusion, the partnership between Sio Silica and the University of Manitoba underscores a commitment to responsible resource management, scientific advancement, and long-term environmental stewardship. By leveraging innovative technologies and research collaborations, the project aims to enhance understanding of groundwater systems and promote sustainable practices in resource extraction.