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.
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 and abandoned hard rock mines in the Yukon can be viewed here.
Free Presentaton - Abandoned Mines in the Yukon: The Financial Picture
What happens when a mine owner walks away? Find out in this informative presentation about the financial aspects of mine abandonment in the Yukon. YCS will be bringing this presentation to certain Yukon communities in the summer of 2019. Click on the title to see a PDF of the presentation that was done in Jan of 2019 in Whitehorse. The summer of 2019 presentation will be updated to reflect new information.
Legislation
The Yukon has 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 Essentially, this means anywhere in the Yukon can be staked unless it has been specifically withdrawn by Government legislation. Yukon royalties for mineral resources also need to be reformed. This page lays out YCS's position on these issues, and provides some useful links, including to the Yukon Mineral Development Strategy (YMDS) engagement process.
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 including the Whitehorse Mining Initiative and Gaining Ground: Women, Mining, and the Environment!
