In order to get a water license, quartz mining proponents must submit an adaptive management plan outlining how they will manage water at their site. Until now, there has not been Yukon-specific guidance on what should be included in an adaptive management plan.
The Government of Yukon released guidelines to help the industry improve water management at quartz mining projects. These guidelines are iterative, the Government of Yukon intends to review the guidelines after a period of three years.
In order to get a water license, quartz mining proponents must submit an adaptive management plan outlining how they will manage water at their site. Until now, there has not been Yukon-specific guidance on what should be included in an adaptive management plan. These guidelines will fill that gap and make these plans more consistent, clear and efficient across Yukon.
This standardized approach will help protect Yukon's freshwater, promote sustainable water use by industry, and help the industry prepare for unforeseen environmental conditions, such as the impacts of climate change.
"It is important to all Yukoners to have healthy freshwater. We know industry can impact our water, and the development of these guidelines is very helpful to the environmental management of the quartz mining industry in Yukon. This guide shows us how governments and industry can work together to manage our natural resources responsibly." Minister of Environment Pauline Frost
"These guidelines will help to ensure that mineral production occurs in an environmentally responsible manner. The mineral sector is a major driver of Yukon's economy so we strive to ensure mining projects advance in a timely manner through a regulatory process that values high environmental standards and vigilant consideration of Yukon First Nations' and Yukoners' interests." Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
The Yukon Water Board is a key player in water management in the territory. The board has endorsed the adaptive management plan guidelines and was actively involved in developing and reviewing the guidelines.
The guidelines do not change how the Yukon Water Board operates, but they will help reviewers, mining proponents, First Nation governments, and stakeholders better understand what should be in an adaptive management plan.
The guidelines will support development, review and engagement related to the development of adaptive management plans during the water licensing process.
Development of these guidelines started in 2017 as a goal of the Yukon Water Strategy and Action Plan.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent
BC man convicted of manslaughter
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns
Selkirk First Nation announces election results
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future