Revealing Information About the Victoria Gold Eagle Gold Mine
Following a landslide on June 24, the Victoria Gold Eagle Gold Mine in the Yukon has been under close scrutiny. Various speakers from Yukon government branches shed light on the situation at a technical briefing held on June 28.
While the exact volume of cyanide-infused ore that slid down Dublin Gulch is unknown, officials described the event as a “multi-bench failure” and “significant in size.” The extent of damage to the mine’s infrastructure and the possibility of additional slides remain uncertain.
The initial investigation conducted on the day of the slide revealed efforts to contain the cyanide solution with the construction of containment dams. Water samples were taken for analysis, with results expected by July 2.
Concerns about water quality in nearby rivers and the safety of workers at the mine have been raised. The Yukon government has $104 million in surety bonds to cover cleanup and closure costs, but the total extent of damage and the duration of the mine’s closure remain unknown.
Insight into the Environmental Impact
Hamilton, an engineer consulting for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, expressed concern over the release of cyanide into the environment due to the landslide. He emphasized the severity of the situation and called for a more robust response to mitigate the environmental impact.
Looking beyond Lab Testing
Hamilton’s suggestion to look for other evidence of cyanide in the water, such as dead fish, raises important questions about the immediate impact of the slide on the ecosystem. Exploring additional indicators of contamination can provide valuable insights into the environmental consequences of the event.
It remains critical to monitor the situation closely, assess the environmental impact, and implement effective measures to safeguard both workers and the surrounding ecosystem.
