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Suspected contamination at the abandoned Wolverine Mine: Yukon government

Friday, 29 November 2024 10:47

By Panebi Wilson @chonfmpwilson

Wolverine Mine in southeast Yukon ( Photo credit: lakewoodelectric)

The Yukon government has been addressing water treatment issues at the site since the mine's abandonment in 2015

The Government of Yukon has increased monitoring efforts at the abandoned Wolverine Mine in southeast Yukon following a suspected leak at a tailings storage facility.

According to a news release, water with elevated levels of zinc, cadmium, selenium, and cyanide has been released into the environment. The contaminated water was flowing through pipes beneath the tailings facility.

Although water samples downstream have passed acute toxicity tests, the government is taking precautions to ensure public safety. The suspected leak's cause and status are currently unknown.

The Yukon government has been addressing water treatment issues at the site since the mine's abandonment in 2015. A two-year water treatment campaign is set to begin in spring 2025.

Additionally, the territorial government said it will conduct liner inspections to determine the cause of the suspected leak and will seek legislative approval for funding.

To date, the territory has spent approximately $42 million on activities at Wolverine.

The Wolverine Mine is located on the traditional territory of the Kaska Nation, halfway between Watson Lake and Ross River, Yukon.

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