A First Nation in central Yukon demands an immediate halt to all mining activities in its traditional territory and calls for an independent investigation into a recent equipment failure at a gold mine that could have catastrophic consequences.
Chief Dawna Hope of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun expressed concerns about environmental contamination resulting from a heap-leach pad failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine. The severity of the contamination caused by cyanide and other chemicals has not been fully disclosed to the public, but the First Nation, along with hired experts, believes that the environment has been significantly impacted.
Environmental Concerns and Call for Oversight
Hope emphasized the need for a comprehensive land-use plan that restricts development and includes strict oversight and enforcement of mining and industrial operations within their territory. She stated in an interview on Wednesday, “All mining activity must pause until there’s a land-use plan that limits development and includes rigorous oversight and enforcement of mining and industrial operations in our territory.”
According to Hope, approximately 40% of Yukon’s permitted mining activities are located within Nacho Nyak Dun’s traditional territory. The halt in operations at the Eagle Mine, following the equipment failure, has raised serious concerns about the safety of the lands and waters in the region.
Concerns about Contaminants and Groundwater
The failure of the heap-leach pad raised worries about groundwater safety, especially with the release of cyanide solution into the environment. Concerns were further exacerbated by the significant amount of solution spilled, estimated to be between 800,000 and a million cubic meters, with a total capacity of 92 million tonnes of ore in the facility.
The lack of updates from Victoria Gold and unresponsiveness from CEO John McConnell have added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Hope highlighted the potential risks to groundwater, with staff observing infrastructure burial and ore spillage beyond containment areas.
Government Response and Collaborative Efforts
Yukon government officials have been collecting data on the extent of the spill, potential contamination, and overall environmental impact. They have stated that contaminated water is being contained in dams and pumped into storage ponds. Additionally, the government has conducted water sampling to assess the situation, with results expected soon.
The government has expressed its commitment to working with the First Nation to address the ongoing issues and ensure the protection of the environment and public health. Efforts are being made to establish a path forward and enhance monitoring and enforcement practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Collaborative Efforts for Protection
The joint efforts of the First Nation, government officials, and independent experts are crucial in addressing the environmental and safety concerns raised by the equipment failure at the Eagle Mine. Collaborative initiatives and enhanced oversight mechanisms will be vital in protecting the lands, waters, wildlife, and people who rely on these resources for their livelihoods.
— Ashley Joannou in Vancouver
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 3, 2024.
