The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
North of 60 Mining News - June 28, 2024
Photo of the collapsed heap leach pad at Eagle taken during a June 25 flyover of the gold mine operation.
The Yukon Government hosted a technical briefing over Zoom on June 28 to address the ongoing investigations into the heap leach pad failure at the Eagle Gold Mine in the Yukon.
On June 24, Victoria Gold Corp. reported a collapse of the heap leach pad at its Eagle Mine in Yukon, Canada. In the following days, little information has come out as to exactly what might have caused the collapse.
In response, the company, Yukon Government, as well as concerned First Nations whose lands the mine resides within, have begun investigations into the cause of the collapse and, more importantly, the potential health and environmental effects from cyanide used to recover gold from the heap leach pad.
During the briefing, officials highlighted the immediate actions taken to contain and assess the environmental damage. Kelly Constable, the Director of Mineral Resources, detailed the heap leach process and confirmed that a multi-bench slide had caused significant displacement of ore, which prompted immediate efforts to build containment dams.
"The ore stockpile is built in a series of benches," she said. "This was a multi-bench failure, meaning it was significant in size. The company moved quickly following the slide to build dams to hold back contaminated water released from the slide material. This water is being pumped into storage blocks. The company has voluntarily stopped mining at this time."
These measures are aimed at preventing contaminated water from affecting the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, community safety and environmental protection were emphasized. With no serious injuries reported, however, it was stated that there were two employees who required first aid the day of the collapse.
"At this time, the Worker's Safety and Compensation Board can confirm one reported injury due to the heap leach failure," said Heather Avery, Manager of Social Marketing and Communications at the Worker's Safety and Compensation Board for Yukon Government. "Furthermore, safety officers have also learned that two workers received first aid treatment after the incident, and that was a result of their investigation. We do not have any reports of serious injuries."
The focus remains on environmental containment and monitoring water quality in the affected areas. Water samples have been collected and sent for analysis to determine the extent of any contamination.
Yukon government officials also addressed the concerns of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, whose lands are impacted, during the June 28 briefing. In response to media questions on the matter, Yukon representatives said they are working closely with the community to ensure their involvement in ongoing environmental assessments and decision-making processes.
Following the technical explanations and governmental assurances, Cord Hamilton, a consulting engineer for Na-Cho Nyäk Dun with deep ties to the Eagle Mine project, voiced a profound concern for the gravity of the situation and its impact on the First Nation.
"I have a long history of interaction in this project ... and I've been in contact with Chief Dawna Hope and I've listened respectfully to this conference. And we're deeply concerned that the true gravity of what has occurred there is not being discussed," Hamilton said.
Hamilton criticized the initial response to the disaster, emphasizing the severity of the cyanide contamination, which, according to the First Nation's independent investigation, far exceeds safe levels for wildlife and fish.
"Most recent testing that we have available from the company, on that heap, cyanide concentrations are in excess of 300 parts per million. That is magnitudes of order higher than what is acutely toxic to wildlife and fish. So, it has to be dramatically diluted to prevent death of these organisms."
He expressed frustration over the makeshift solutions and called for urgent, significant actions beyond the temporary dams. His remarks underscored the dismay being expressed by First Nations, who feel sidelined in the communication and response efforts.
Hamilton also said there is a much quicker way than waiting a week or more for water sample results to find out whether cyanide contamination has spread downstream of the Eagle Mine – dead fish.
"Yes, it takes a long time for you to get results. But dead fish show up. And we haven't heard-has that been looked for in Haggart Creek; in South McQuesten? Has that type of inspection been done? You don't need a test to find dead fish. So, we really want to know, are your officers looking at the organisms who are directly affected from this, if cyanide is released?" he asked.
Hamilton says Na-Cho Nyäk Dun believes that it is "physically impossible" that some cyanide did not escape containment, at least into the groundwater.
"We estimate, the best of the best information we have available, there's somewhere between 800,000 and a million cubic meters of cyanide solution contained in the heap that is now draining down in an uncontrolled manner. There is storage on that site for less than half of that in secure facilities. So that's what's coming," he said.
The Na-Cho Nyäk Dun consulting engineer is urging a more robust and immediate response to mitigate the environmental threat and address the community's fears.
"We really want to see a higher level of response," he said. "We know more is coming at us. Makeshift dams are not the answer. Really significant action is required."
"So respectfully, this is a dire situation," Hamilton added. "And you spoke of what did the First Nations feel? They are dismayed, they are angry, and they should be. This is a catastrophe."
As investigations continue, the Yukon government has committed to transparency and regular updates to keep the public informed. The next update is scheduled for the following week, where more detailed findings about the cause of the collapse and further steps for remediation will be discussed.
"Premier Pillai and Minister Streicker have directed us to explore and present all possible options and tools, which our team is working very hard to do right now," said territory officials. "And Premier Pillai and Minister Streicker have emphasized that protecting people and the environment are our top priorities. These priorities will guide all the tools we present moving forward."
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