Volume 3
CLOSING THE LOOP: RECLAMATION AS AN INTEGRAL PART
OF RESPONSIBLE MINING
In Yukon, reclamation planning is
done before a shovel even breaks
ground.
When the United Keno Hill Mine in central Yukon
closed down in 1989, it brought an end to more
than seven decades of successful silver production.
Approximately 40 different mines operated in the
district at various times, producing more than 200
million ounces of silver. In its heyday, the district
was amongst the largest silver producers in the world.
However, after its closure, it left a challenging legacy
of environmental damage. The mines at Keno Hill
operated under the legislation of the day, before
there was wide-spread understanding of how mining
without proper mitigative measures could harm
the environment. No reclamation had been done.
A couple of decades later, the Keno Hill Silver
District is entering yet another phase of its life.
Now owned by Alexco Resource Corporation,
the district is a case study illustrating the
strengthened environmental awareness shared
by the public and the mining industry.
Along with the changes in attitude and
understanding, mining methods and regulations
have undergone a great shift in Yukon in the
past twenty years. Reclamation is now a key
part of every mining operation, both old and
new. Alexco saw opportunity in this new era of
environmentally-responsible mining. It took the
unique approach of combining environmental
care and maintenance, mine cleanup, and mineral
exploration and development in its corporate model.
“We knew that hundreds of abandoned mines like
Keno Hill exist all over North America,” says
Rob McIntyre, Alexco Vice President, Business
Development. “They have environmental problems
that need to be dealt with but also potential value
in the mineral resources left behind. In the case of
Keno, the mine closed down because of economics,
not geology. It ran out of money, not ore.”
Alexco is carrying out advanced exploration
throughout the Keno district with a number of
promising targets. Its short-term production goal
is to open a mine at the former Bellekeno mine
site. In the long term, the company hopes to open a
string of high-grade silver mines. At the same time,
Alexco is doing environmental care and maintenance
of previously-mined areas at Keno Hill and is
developing a reclamation plan for the entire district.
Continued on page 2.
Alexco Resources
From the Trenches
page 1
Spring 2010
Issue 1
Spring 2010
In this issue...
Feature article:
Reclamation in Mining
Site Profile:
Yukon’s Abandoned Mines
Employee Profile:
First Nation Liaison Officer
New Mining Yukon Web
Portal Launched
Report on Yukon
Geoscience Forum and
Leckie Award Winners
Yukon Prospector of the
Year
Yukon Mining Statistics
Did You Know?
Keno 700 Old camp and
load out facility.
CLOSING THE LOOP: RECLAMATION AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF RESPONSIBLE MINING
Did you know...
Did you know that zinc
is mined in Yukon? Here
are a few interesting facts
about this Yukon mineral.
Continued from page 1.
Zinc is called the
“Developing a scientifically-valid, technicallyfeasible and publicly-supported reclamation plan
to address decades of impact is a complex process
and must be very thorough,” says McIntyre.
“We’re working together with the federal and
Yukon governments, the First Nation of Na-Cho
Nyak Dun and surrounding communities to
determine the plan’s objectives and goals and what
measures need to be taken to achieve them.”
economic development opportunities associated with
mining and in helping to ensure that the environment
is protected. The Keno district is in the traditional
territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak
Dun, which has signed an exploration cooperation
agreement with Alexco. It gives the First Nation
direct input into project design and development, but
protects the First Nation’s right to raise concerns
in the assessment and regulatory processes.
Zinc is included in most
Once the plan is developed, it will be submitted to
Yukon’s single environmental and socio-economic
assessment process, administered by the Yukon
Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment
Board. These steps are requirements under Yukon’s
rigourous and modern assessment, permitting
and regulatory regime, which governs all mineral
exploration and development in the territory.
Holmes says that a key difference in the Yukon
government’s approach is the level of cooperation
required. “In the past, governments tended to
stand back and wait for a mining company to
make a mistake. Now we work together with
companies to ensure that their projects are
implemented the right way. One element of that
is the requirement for closure plans. A company
must figure out how it’s going to reclaim a
site before it puts a shovel in the ground.”
Great Protector – it is
used to protect metals
(galvanizing) as well
as humans, in products
such as sun screen (zinc
oxide), zinc lozenges, or
vitamins.
single tablet over-thecounter daily vitamin
and mineral supplement.
It is believed to possess
antioxidant properties,
which protect against
premature aging of the
skin and muscles of the
body.
Zinc makes up about
75 ppm (0.007%) of the
Earth’s crust, making it
the 24th most abundant
element there.
A widely used alloy
which contains zinc is
brass, in which copper is
alloyed with anywhere
from 3% to 45% zinc,
depending upon the type
of brass
“Most mines that left behind huge negative
environmental legacies were built and operated
at a time when there were no environmental
assessment laws in place,” says Robert Holmes,
Director of the Mineral Resources Branch at Yukon
Energy Mines and Resources. “Today, the public
expects a smaller environmental footprint and
governments must find a way to ensure mining
companies meet those expectations. Science has
also advanced and we know more about what the
effects of various activities are on the environment
and how to mitigate them. As well, mining
companies themselves have evolved and take a
much more holistic approach to their work.”
As well, most Yukon First Nations have settled
land claims and have a strong interest in pursuing
According to the Yukon government’s Yukon
Mine Site Reclamation and Closure Policy, a
closure plan is reviewed, assessed and updated
throughout the life of a mine. The mining
company must provide a security deposit, held
by the Yukon government, to cover the entire
cost of reclaiming its site. The policy encourages
progressive reclamation because as reclamation
occurs throughout the life of the mine, the security
deposit can be gradually paid back. If needed,
government can also increase the amount of security.
“This is a significant incentive,” says McIntyre.
“When you know that reclamation and closure
will be done at your cost, you mine differently.
It puts the company on the hook both morally
and financially. Companies will do reclamation
along the way, because it’s in all our best
interests. No mine will ever start in Yukon
again without an approved reclamation plan and
a cheque to take care of the closure costs.”
That said, both Holmes and McIntyre acknowledge
that there are still challenges to be met. “We won’t
see the same kinds of huge negative environmental
legacies as in the past, but it’s not possible to
guarantee perfection either,” says McIntyre.
Alexco Resources
Keno 700 Reclaimed
“It would be glib to say that environmental problems
will never occur again,” says Holmes. “Mining
operations are complex and sometimes unexpected
issues arise. Our approach at the Yukon government
is to manage the risk by using the best science and
processes we can come up with. If problems do occur,
we have the willingness, creativity, determination
and tools to fix them and to ensure that we have
a successful mining industry in Yukon.
From the Trenches
page 2
Spring 2010
Site Profile: Yukon’s Abandoned Mines
History: In 1978, owner Cassiar Asbestos
Corporation closed and abandoned the mine
after it had mined all the available asbestos.
Since devolution in April of 2003, Yukon
government’s Department of Energy, Mines and
Resources (EMR) took over the environmental
responsibilities and obligations associated
with lands previously under the management
of the federal government’s Department of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
The term “Type II Mines” comes from the 2003
Devolution Transfer Agreement and refers to
several mine sites in Yukon identified at the time
of devolution as having potentially unfunded
environmental liabilities related to closure.
The majority of the identified Type II sites are
under company control. Three mine sites, Clinton
Creek, Mount Nansen and Faro mines, have no
operator and are termed Abandoned Type II sites
or simply Yukon abandoned mines. The three
mines are currently managed by Yukon government
with funding from the Government of Canada. A fourth site, Keno, formally known as United Keno
Hill Mines, was purchased by Elsa Reclamation
Development Company (ERDC) who is responsible
for the care, maintenance and closure of the
mine site. Government funding was provided
to address the historical liabilities at the site.
Below are mini profiles on each of Yukon’s
three abandoned mines and an update on
remediation and closure activities underway.
Clinton Creek
Action Taken: Completed work to environmentally
secure the Clinton Creek Mine site. Unsafe
structures and equipment were removed and
safety measures undertaken to ensure public
safety. The site continues to be monitored to
ensure these secured measures are maintained.
Mount Nansen
Standing – 79456
Placer Claims in Good
Standing – 17787
Prospecting Leases in
Good Standing – 118
77 project proposals were
submitted to the YESAA
process
51 placer and 26 quartz
projects.
9 projects are still under
YESAA review
Mt. Nanson Mine site
Formerly: gold and silver mine
Location: 60 km west of Carmacks within Little
Salmon/ Carmacks First Nation Traditional Territory
Government of Yukon
Concerns at the Time: The tailings pond contained
high levels of cyanide and metals threatened to
spill over the dam and into adjacent river system.
Location: 100 km northwest of Dawson
City within the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First
Nation’s Traditional Territory.
Quartz Claims in Good
authorizations issued to
7 placer and 19 quartz
projects.
History: In 1999, owner BYG Natural Resources
was unable to meet the requirements of the
water licence and closed the mine. The company
went into receivership and abandoned the
property, leaving an environmental liability.
Government has since taken responsibility for
the care and maintenance of the property.
Formerly: asbestos mine
Yukon Mining
Statistics
26 Mining Land Use
Government of Yukon
EMR’s Assessment and Abandoned Mines
Branch is responsible for closure planning and
implementing remediation activities involving
Yukon’s abandoned mines. For more information,
please contact the branch directly at 3937429 or [email protected]
Concerns at the Time: Waste rock from the
mine operation had slid and blocked Clinton
Creek. Pooled water formed Hudgeon Lake in
the creek valley. The lake has little oxygen and
fish and vegetation are unable to survive. The
primary concern was that Hudgeon Lake could
erode the waste rock slide leading to significant
flooding downstream. A secondary concern was
the tailings from the milling operation which
had slid down into the Wolverine Creek Valley
restricting water flow and creating two ponds.
Action Taken: Water levels behind the dam were
reduced and ongoing care and maintenance
is underway. The overall goal is to bring it to
closure as soon as possible. The First Nation
and community are involved in determining
this process and its implementation.
Continued on page 5.
From the Trenches
page 3
Spring 2010
opposite
Clinton Creek gabions
HEADLINE: Employee Profile: First Nation Liaison
Officer
This is the continuation in a series of profiles
on Yukon government employees whose role
and responsibilities provide valuable assistance
and services to the mineral exploration and
development and mining industries.
Steven Buyck came to the Minerals Resource Branch
in October 2009 on a one year temporary assignment
as our First Nation Liaison Officer. Prior to this
assignment he was the Environment Officer for
the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. Steven
was born and raised in Yukon with the exception
of the time he spent going to college in BC and
Alberta. Steven has a Renewable Resource diploma
from Yukon College. He has taken numerous short
courses in relations to the land claims process,
environmental and the wildlife related issues. He
has worked throughout Yukon, B.C., and Alaska
doing various jobs such as line cutter, staker, pad
builder, carpenter, handy man, and field technician.
He was also an underground miner at UKHM
in Elsa; from there he went back to College and
then went to work for his First Nation as the Land
Resource Officer. Steven became the Chief of the
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (2002 – 2005).
When asked what he liked about his new role
with the Government of Yukon he had this to
say. “This job gives me the opportunity to learn
more while also teaching others of our First Nations
customs, our spiritual beliefs, and our culture and
the ever-changing ways of First Nation people”.
Outside of his work, he enjoys getting out in the
wilderness. “I’m an avid hunter and fisherman
that appreciates the natural state and solitude of
wilderness values. I also recognize that I do enjoy
using my 4-wheeler and snowmobile in order to
get out into some of these special places”. He
also likes to travel and meet new people. Steven
enjoys all outdoor sports and recreational activities
and is always keen to learn new things.
Steven has jumped in to his new job with great
enthusiasm. His positive attitude and team
spirit has made his transition to the Mineral
Resources team an easy one. Please feel free
to contact Steven at [email protected]
or give him a call at 867-667-8708.
Steven Buyck
Steven’s extensive experience in the field and also
as a member of a First Nation government has
more than prepared him for his role with us. His
ability to communicate and understanding of
First Nation’s culture and traditions makes him
an incredible asset to the Government of Yukon
and the mining industry. Steven feels that good
working relationships, key contacts and trust are the
fundamental blocks in building a solid relationship
that can be used to build a cooperative collaboration.
MiningYukon.com: New One-Stop Internet Shop for
Yukon Minerals and Mining Info
In November 2009, the departments of Economic
Development and Energy, Mines and Resources
proudly launched a new web portal.
The portal’s objective is to generate a
broad awareness of Yukon as an attractive
mineral exploration and mining investment
jurisdiction while providing timely and
relevant mining information on-line.
The portal is part of Economic Development
and EMR’s joint implementation of the Yukon’s
Mining Investment Promotion Plan. The plan
recommended the development of a unified
“one-stop shop” which would act as the sole
vehicle for Yukon mining information.
Visit the portal at www.MiningYukon.com
From the Trenches
page 4
Spring 2010
Government Honours Outstanding Reclamation
Three mining companies operating in Yukon have
been honoured with the Robert E. Leckie Award
for their outstanding reclamation work in 2009.
Dale Corman, President,
Western Copper Corporation
accepting the Leckie Award
for Outstanding quartz
reclamation work in 2009.
Favron Enterprises Limited received the 2009 Leckie
award for outstanding placer mining reclamation in
recognition of the work it did cleaning up its site in
the Last Chance and Hunker Creek areas, which had
been severely impacted from historical activity, and
for their exemplary efforts in continual reclamation.
Western Copper Corporation received the
2009 Leckie Award for outstanding quartz
reclamation for its work recovering two abandoned
camps and the clean-up and re-establishment
of a well designed camp and airstrip at its
exploration project near Pelly Crossing.
An honourable mention was presented to Strategic
Metals Limited for consistently complying with
best management practices and exceeding final
decommissioning requirements at its Eureka Creek/
Black Hills operation in the Dawson mining district.
Lisa Favron, Favron
Enterprises Limited
accepting the Leckie Award
for Outstanding placer
reclamation work in 2009.
Government of Yukon
The Robert E. Leckie Award is presented
annually to mining and exploration companies
who have shown outstanding practices in
reclamation and site restoration. Efforts can
include exceptional environmental stewardship,
excellence in social responsibility, or leadership
and innovation in reclamation processes.
The award was created as a tribute to Robert
E. Leckie, a Mayo mining inspector who was
dedicated to the development of progressive land
use practices for mining. For more information
on mining in Yukon visit MiningYukon.com
Site Profile: Yukon’s Abandoned Mines
Continued from page 3.
Faro Mine Complex
Formerly: silver, lead and zinc mine
Location: 15 km north of the Town of Faro within the
Kaska Nation’s Traditional Territory and upstream
from Selkirk First Nation’s Traditional Territory.
Government of Yukon
History: During the 1970s, the mine was the
largest lead/zinc mine in Canada. In 1998, owner
Anvil Range stopped mining and went into
receivership. The property was abandoned, leaving
an environmental liability. Government has paid for
care and maintenance of the property through a court
appointed interim receiver, Deloitte and Touche.
Continued on page 6.
From the Trenches
page 5
Spring 2010
Faro Mine site
Site Profile: Yukon’s Abandoned Mines
Continued from page 5.
Concerns at the Time: Several major issues
resulted from the mine’s activities including
contamination of water, stability of key physical
structures, dust creation and transport and human
and animal contact with waste materials.
Action Taken: Remediation and recommended closure
plans have been developed to address concerns.
Planning for final closure and remediation of the
Faro Mine Complex has been a major undertaking,
led by government. The process has involved over
five years of planning, technical studies, community
Shawn Ryan and Cathy Wood
accepting the Prospector
of the Year Award at the
Yukon Chamber of Mines
Geoscience Banquet.
consultations, expert review and cost analysis. It has
depended on governments working with affected
Yukon First Nations to address issues, discuss
alternatives and agree on an option that addresses
protection of the environment and human health and
safety, while balancing economic costs and benefits.
The federal and territorial governments with the
Liard First Nation, Ross River Dena Council
and Selkirk First Nation are collaborating
to provide strategic direction on a long
term, comprehensive closure plan.
2009 Yukon Prospector of the Year
Volume 3
Issue 1
Spring 2010
This newsletter is produced
and published by the
Mineral Resources Branch,
Department of Energy, Mines
and Resources, Government
of Yukon.
Government of Yukon
For more information or to
share your feedback, please
contact the Mineral Resources
Branch at (867) 667-3163 or
[email protected].
Contributors: Elaine Schiman,
Brigitte Parker
Info Sources: EMR’s
Assessment and Abandoned
Mines Branch, http: //www.
nwma.org/Edcation/zinc_
facts.htm, http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Zinc
Photo credits: Government of
Yukon, Alexco Resources
The Yukon Prospectors Association president
Jim McFaul presented the Prospector of the Year
award at the 37th annual Geoscience Forum held
is Whitehorse this past November. The award
which is presented to a deserving individual for
outstanding achievement in the field of prospecting
went to Ryanwood Exploration. The husband and
wife team of Shawn Ryan and Cathy Wood.
From the Trenches
page 6
Also announced were the inductees to the
Prospectors’ Hall of Fame which is to pay
tribute to prospectors whose struggles against
seemingly impossible odds, suffered undue
hardship, and incurred incredible risk in their
search for minerals in Yukon. The 2009 inductees
were Jerry Bryde and Park Southwick. Roger
Voisine was inducted to the Honour Roll.
Spring 2010