An aerial view of the Eagle Gold Mine. Photo Courtesy of Victoria Gold.
Whitehorse, YT – The Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation is demanding an immediate halt of all mining activity in their traditional territory following the heap leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine.
Nearly half of the mining projects in the territory are located in Na-Cho Nyäk Dun traditional territory.
The nation says that the heap leach failure, reported on June 24th, resulting in possible cyanide contamination is the most recent example of “poor mining regulation and negligent government oversight,” which is threatening the health of the community and wildlife.
The Yukon Government has not released any details on the extent of possible cyanide contamination. Results from water samples are expected this week.
Government officials also highlighted that Victoria Gold was quick to act and has set up dams to hold back contaminated water which is then pumped into storage ponds.
Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Chief Donna Hope adds “There must be an independent investigation and review immediately to understand the environmental impacts of this disaster.”
At the end of a briefing on June 28th Cord Hamilton, an engineer consulting with the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, questioned whether the territorial government has looked for evidence of cyanide contamination in water like dead fish. He estimated that 800,000 to 1 million cubic meters of cyanide solution are contained in the heap that is now draining.
“Respectfully, this is a dire situation. What do the First Nations feel? They are dismayed. They are angry and they should be,” said Hamilton. “This is a catastrophe.”
