Heap Leach Failure Halts Operations at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine
A slide following a reported “heap leach failure” at Victoria Gold’s Eagle mine has caused operations at the site in central Yukon to come to a halt. Chief Dawna Hope of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation informed CBC News that her First Nation was informed of the incident early on a Monday, as the mine is located on their traditional territory.
The Incident and Response
Chief Hope mentioned that a “significant” slide occurred at the mine site’s heap leach facility, with thankfully no reports of workers sustaining injuries. John Thompson, a spokesperson for the Yukon government, confirmed the incident, specifying that Victoria Gold had reported a “heap leach failure” at the mine. The heap leach facility at the mine employs a cyanide solution to dissolve gold ore, processed in 10-metre layers.
Insight:
Heap leach failures can have significant environmental impacts, as the use of cyanide solutions raises concerns about contamination of water sources and surrounding ecosystems. In the case of Victoria Gold’s Eagle mine, the incident underscores the importance of strict monitoring and maintenance protocols in heap leach facilities to prevent accidents and minimize environmental harm.
Thompson added that the company reassured that no workers were harmed and that operations have stopped temporarily for investigations to take place. The Eagle Mine, with approximately 500 employees along with contractors and consultants, plays a crucial role as an economic contributor to local communities and the Yukon.
Investigations and Environmental Concerns
Thompson mentioned that natural resources officers will be conducting investigations into the incident. Additionally, the Yukon Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board stated that they are also looking into the matter, confirming that the heap leach failure resulted in a significant slide, yet luckily without any reported injuries.
Hope expressed that her First Nation is actively responding to the situation, with technical crews and environmental monitors monitoring the land closely. She emphasized the importance of environmental preservation and water quality while being relieved that no injuries were reported.
The future actions and transparency from Victoria Gold Corp. regarding the incident are awaited to shed more light on the situation.
