An aerial photo of the landslide at the heap leach facility at the Eagle Gold Mine. Photo Courtesy of the Yukon Government.
Whitehorse, YT — The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun is raising concerns about management of the Eagle Gold mine following recent contamination spills.
In a statement, the First Nation points to an April 29 overflow that sent contaminated water into Haggart Creek as a sign of ongoing issues with water handling and containment.
“The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun has limited confidence in the site management as it continues to inadequately address the continued emergency needs at the Eagle Gold Mine site,” reads the release.
Yukon government officials say the April 29 spill was caused by heavy rain and snowmelt overwhelming a holding pond. They say cleanup measures were taken and impacts to water quality are still under review.
A government spokesperson says the court-appointed receiver reported four spills in April and three in March, all of which were disclosed and addressed.
They add water treatment is now meeting licence standards after a temporary pause in late April.
