Government of Yukon continues to provide updates on Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine heap leach failure

The Government of Yukon remains committed to protecting people, the environment, and ensuring transparency.

Yesterday, Government of Yukon officials, accompanied by Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker, provided a fourth technical briefing to update Yukoners on the government’s regulatory oversight and work with partners at the Victoria Gold Eagle Gold Mine site.

Water management:

• Technical teams have collaborated with Victoria Gold to review and ensure the company refines its plans for water storage, treatment, and stabilization following the heap leach failure.
• Measures include increased water storage capacity, expanded monitoring, and comprehensive treatment plans.

Environmental monitoring:

• Sampling continues onsite (Dublin Gulch, Eagle Creek) and offsite (Haggart Creek, South McQuesten River), testing both surface water and groundwater.
• Sampling has increased from every second day to daily at select locations. CoreGeo, a local consulting firm, has been contracted to perform daily surface and groundwater quality monitoring at the mine site and downstream.
• CoreGeo will bolster water monitoring initiatives alongside fish population assessments in collaboration with the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and federal partners.
• The Government of Yukon, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans are working together on a long-term monitoring program of fish populations in the tributaries of the Haggart Creek Watershed.
• Water sampling is testing for cyanide, metals and other contaminants downstream of the Eagle Gold mine, and we are comparing results against federal water quality guidelines and mine license objectives. 
• Water samples are being processed in B.C. with an expedited turnaround (five to seven business days).

Water sampling results:

• Recent samples show no cyanide or heavy metal concentrations above guidelines, except for initial concerns near Haggart Creek, where mitigation efforts are focused.

Inspector’s directions:

• Progressive enforcement continues with ongoing review and response to Victoria Gold’s compliance plans, ensuring accountability and environmental safety.

Government engagement:

• Regular, weekly updates are provided to the public and stakeholders, including ongoing collaboration with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
• Briefing of opposition parties.
• Technical experts continue to respond to media questions while also working to mitigate the impacts of the slide and monitor the company’s clean-up efforts.
• The Government of Yukon is building a web page to share key updates and water sampling results with the public.

Mining and environmental commitment:

• Our government prioritizes the safety of people and the environment in every decision related to mining activities.
• The Government of Yukon recognizes the importance of balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship.
• Engagement with First Nations and adherence to Final Agreements guide the government’s approach to mining legislation and environmental management.

The Government of Yukon remains committed to sharing information and will continue to update the public on progress and developments. This involves efforts to explore methods for ensuring the public remains informed as new information emerges.