Following a Yukon government briefing on Eagle Mine, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun issued a directive for Victoria Gold to stand down in a press release shared shortly after the briefing.
Since the disaster at the mine, Victoria Gold has been leading the remediation efforts on-site. However, the First Nation expressed concerns about the company’s financial resources and ability to effectively mitigate contamination. They called on the Yukon government to intervene to prevent further contamination.
Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Chief Dawna Hope stated in the release, “Victoria Gold cannot fully rectify the environmental damage caused by this event. They have failed to comply with the remediation actions directed by the Yukon government.”
Yukon government findings
During a briefing, senior groundwater scientist Brendan Mulligan revealed that cyanide levels in the surface water near the mine site are still increasing. He noted that the highest concentrations of cyanide were found in sampling stations closest to the mine, with some of these contaminants eventually diluting as they flow through the waterways.
Samples from Haggard Creek showed cyanide concentrations rising to 0.0558 mg/L, above safe levels as per British Columbia water quality guidelines.
Notably, over 50 sites in the Haggart Creek watershed have been sampled, with ongoing tests on fish species like Arctic Grayling and slimy sculpin for heavy metal exposure.
However, limited groundwater sampling has been conducted due to exclusion zones established by Victoria Gold, hindering efforts to fully assess the impact of the contamination on groundwater resources.
Community response and updates from Victoria Gold
Recent protests outside the Yukon Legislative Assembly and public criticism from Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai directed at Victoria Gold have underscored the gravity of the situation. While the government has not committed to an inquiry as requested by Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Pillai acknowledged shortcomings in the regulatory system and pledged to strengthen mining legislation.
Victoria Gold CEO John McConnell, after weeks of silence, expressed the company’s efforts to address the incident and regain control of the situation. McConnell also issued apologies and recognized the strained relationship with Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, emphasizing the need for collaboration moving forward.
Chief Dawna Hope of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, however, criticized McConnell’s apology as insincere and emphasized the lasting impact of the disaster on their lands. She stated that Victoria Gold lacked the social license and consent to continue operations in the area, given the current crisis.
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