Off-site water tests show increased cyanide in water downstream of Yukon mine disaster

WHITEHORSE — Yukon government officials say some water samples taken downstream from the Eagle Gold mine site show cyanide levels that “significantly exceed” guidelines for aquatic life.

Brendan Mulligan, a senior scientist with the Yukon Department of Environment, says a “pattern of increasing cyanide levels” has been observed in water samples taken near the mine since a landslide involving contaminated ore in June.

He said samples taken further downstream show lower levels of the chemical due to dilution, and concentrations do not exceed drinking water guidelines.

Mulligan says no groundwater samples were taken because of safety concerns and instability at the site of the mine disaster. The mine’s stack leach facility failed, releasing a massive amount of cyanide-contaminated ore and millions of gallons of cyanide solution used in gold mining.

He says groundwater monitoring will begin once it is deemed safe, and that officials continue to work with the mine’s owner, Victoria Gold Corp., and the Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation, on whose land the mine is located.

Cameron Sinclair, a senior fisheries biologist, said officials are monitoring both the long- and short-term effects on fish populations in nearby Haggart Creek. Fish tissue samples have also been sent to a lab for testing for heavy metal buildup.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 1, 2024.

The Canadian Press