Mining
Our Vision
That mining in the Yukon occurs only in places where such activities are ecologically and culturally acceptable. Where mining occurs, it will be based on need for the metal, on sound economics, and it will be done in a way that ensures that perpetual treatment is not necessary. Abandoned mine sites will be cleaned up.
YCS Mining Goals
- To ensure that new mines in the Yukon do not have toxic environmental impacts and minimize impacts from other issues like access and social issues.
- To support First Nations and communities faced with mining developments in their efforts to protect the environment, traditional uses, and their communities.
- To replace the Yukon's Free Entry system for mining exploration with a system that protects First Nations rights, sensitive environments, and other economic interests.
Related News & Events
Attend the Public Meeting for the Beaver River Watershed
February 5, 2019
This official Sub-regional Land Use Planning meeting is being held Wednesday February 6, 6-8pm, at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre in Whitehorse.
Placer Mining
Placer mining is where gold dust, and flakes and (if a miner is lucky) nuggets, are found loose in the river gravel. It does, however, have an impact on the environment.
Proposed & Upcoming Hard Rock Mines
Proposed and upcoming hard rock (as opposed to placer) mines in the Yukon can be viewed here.
Current & Abandoned Hard Rock Mines
Currently active hard rock mines in the Yukon can be viewed here.
Free Presentaton - Abandoned Mines in the Yukon: The Financial Picture
Join YCS mining analyst Lewis Rifkind on Tues. Jan. 29, 2019 at the Whitehorse Public Library from 6:30-8 PM for an informative presentation about the financial impacts of abandoned mines in the Yukon. This presentation is focused on financial, not environmental, impacts - what happens when a mining company can't pay the bills? Who's on the hook for the cleanup? Which Yukon mines are currently abandoned or in danger of it? And what can concerned citizens do?
This is a free talk in the Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. The venue is wheelchair-accessible.
Legislation
The Yukon has the the free entry system of mining claim staking. Essentially, this means anywhere in the Yukon can be staked unless it has been specifically withdrawn by Government legislation.
Infograms, Royalties and Technical Papers
An abandoned mine presentation; some infograms (information sheets) about water contamination caused by mining; analysis and opinion about the Yukon royalty rates as it relates to placer and hard-rock mining; and some pertinant technical papers.
