Statements regarding hunting and recreation activities in the vicinity of the Victoria Gold mine site

The Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade has issued the following statement:

“Based on current information there are no additional risks to anyone recreating in the surrounding area of the Victoria Gold mine site, including hunting. Harvesting wildlife or gathering plants in the area are not considered health risks at this time. In general, wildlife that appears sick or injured should not be targeted for harvest.

“Due to instability at the mine site itself, we recommend not eating fish from the immediate area of the mine and avoiding the immediate area for personal safety. Over time, some contaminants can build up in animal tissues and pose a risk to human health. However, not all contaminants will build up in wildlife tissues or reach levels that pose risks to human health from consumption.

"Ongoing monitoring efforts by the Yukon government and our partners will provide information on the long-term consequences of this event for wildlife and the environment. This information will guide our assessments and future recommendations related to human consumption of plants and animals in the area.”

The Yukon’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Mary Vanderkop has issued the following statement:

“While the situation is evolving and we know that some contaminants take time to accumulate, the Government of Yukon is collaborating with partners and will be asking hunters to submit selected tissues from harvested moose and caribou. These data will establish a baseline for long-term monitoring of contaminant levels in tissues from wildlife in the area. Sampling kits and instructions will be available at the Government of Yukon’s Department of Environment offices in the coming weeks. Updates will be provided once sampling kits and instructions are available.”