Responsible Mining
Our Vision
We envision a Yukon where mining occurs only where it can be ecologically and culturally acceptable.
Where mining occurs based on sound economic principles, deference to Indigenous wishes for their territories, and without the need for perpetual post-project treatment.
Where mining operations provide tangible, long-lasting benefits to Yukoners for generations to come - without the risk of environmental catastrophes that harm fish & wildlife habitat.
It’s with this vision in mind that we fight for sustainable mining in allyship with local Indigenous groups and serve as an ‘industry watchdog’ over existing and proposed mines.
Our Goals
Sustainable Mining
New Mines
Ensure that new mines in the Yukon do not have toxic environmental impacts and minimize impacts from other factors like access & social implications.
Abandoned Mines
See the continued remediation of the Yukon’s many abandoned mines while ensuring future projects don’t meet the same fate.
Proposed Projects
Actively involve ourselves in the environmental assessment & water license applications of proposed mining projects to ensure they don’t pose harmful ecological risks.
Industry Watchdog
Systemic Changes
Replace the Yukon’s Free Entry system for mining exploration with a system that protects Indigenous rights & sensitive environments.
Support for Indigenous Involvement
Advocate for Yukon First Nations & communities faced with mining developments to play an active role in environmental assessments.
Public Awareness & Education
Bring mining issues and implications posed by projects into the public sphere through plain language documents & research.
Current Initiatives
Industry & Public Engagement
A significant portion of the work done by our mining team is translating technical & scientific reports into plain English documents that are publicly accessible. This effort helps educate Yukoners on local mining news and potential implications of proposed or existing mine projects.
Participating in Environmental Assessments
The Yukon does environmental evaluations for most mining activity throughout the territory. These processes are carried out through the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) & the Yukon Water Board (YWB). YCS submits proposals and suggestions to both of these bodies if we believe mining projects could improve operations or pose significant ecological risk.
Want to Learn More?
Check out more of our work in sustainable mining - from environmental assessments to research, you’ll find everything you need on the Yukon’s mining context and YCS’s work towards sustainable industry practices right here.
Resources
Blog Articles
“It’s all fun and games/
Til the mountain loses its soul/
If you can’t mine nicely/
Don’t mine at all”
Mapping out mining claims that overlap with residential areas in the City of Whitehorse. How are claims staked? How do mines become operational? What protections exist for residents? What mining claims could impact the health of people and wildlife in your community? What can you do about it?