Photo: CKRW file.
The Yukon Government has received the green light to start the reclamation and closure process of the Minto Mine after a court decision was made earlier this week
MINTO – Earlier this week a court decision was made to address the unpaid royalties for Selkirk First Nations and affirmed the Yukon Government may advance reclamation and closure of Minto Mine Site.
The court decided on Monday, July 24 that unpaid royalties for Selkirk First Nation (SFN) were confirmed and that the Government of Yukon will advance the reclamation and closure process of the Minto mine site.
PricewaterhouseCoopers was also appointed as receiver for Minto Metals Corporation. PricewaterhouseCoopers, as a receiver, will handle the Minto Metal Corporation business and property in the best interests of creditors. PricewaterhouseCoopers may seek to sell the mine and assets in their whole to a single buyer if practicable.
The abandoned Minto mine is on SFN Category A Settlement Land, and the government is still working closely with the First Nation. All parties agreed on the settlement of royalties owed to the Yukon government on behalf of the Selkirk First Nation.
The Yukon government’s priority as a regulator is to ensure that the environment at the Minto mining site is safeguarded. The Yukon Government stepped in promptly when Minto abruptly ceased operations and successfully navigated spring freshet. On-site water treatment continues, and storage capacity grows.
The Yukon government has financial security for the property and wants to use it to cover the expenses of reclamation.
