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Yukon NDP hosts virtual mining discussion

Friday, 24 January 2025 14:22

By Stuart Bonell X @BonellStuart

Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine following the June 24 heap leach failure (Photo: vcgx.com)

Panelist and former Yukon Conservation Society Analyst says that the Yukon is "woefully behind on land use planning."

The Yukon NDP hosted a virtual mining discussion, yesterday.

Yukon NDP Leader Kate White was joined by two panelists for the Zoom event; First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Chief Dawna Hope (who was attending AME Roundup in Vancouver this week), and former Yukon Conservation Society analyst Lewis Rifkind.

White, Hope, and Rifkind discussed issues with mining in the Yukon, including concerns with regulation, approving water licenses, and land use planning. In his opening remarks, Rifkind expressed concerns regarding the long process of developing land use plans in the territory.

“There seems to have been a huge emphasis on ‘mining above all,’” said Rifkind. “I think the approach should be more, ‘mining if necessary, but not necessarily mining.’”

“One way to implement that approach is to do land use planning. We’re woefully behind on land use planning. Once we figure out what the land can be used for, we can then decide where mining can, perhaps, occur.”

While the panel’s conversation criticized certain aspects of the mining industry, they made it clear that nobody wants to see mining disappear in the Yukon. Chief Hope clarified that, while her First Nation understands the importance of mining, maintaining the environment must be a higher priority.

“We’ve got to start thinking about future generations, and making sure that things are secure, especially clean water,” said Hope. “Without it, we’re all dust; including lands, flora, fauna, fish, wildlife, doesn’t matter. We all need water, and that’s just a fact.”

Speaking with CHON-FM earlier this week, White said that this event was the first of many discussions about mining in the territory. The next event has not yet been announced.

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