Environment

Type II Mines Project Office

The federal and territorial governments have established a joint project office to coordinate management of Type II mine sites. Type II mines sites refer to major mine sites with the potential of unfunded environmental liabilities at the time of closure. The term comes from the Devolution Transfer Agreement (DTA) [], which details environmental responsibilities and obligations associated with the transfer of lands from Canada to the Yukon government.

The overall goal of the office is to bring these mines to closure as soon as possible, involve First Nations in the process, and maximize economic and employment benefits for Yukoners.

The DTA identifies seven Type II mine sites in the Yukon: Faro, United Keno Hill Mines, BYG Mount Nansen, Ketza River, Clinton Creek, Viceroy Brewery Creek, and Minto. A map of the Type II mine sites [] is available for download.

The DTA provides key principles for management of these sites. The federal government is providing funding for care and maintenance of the Faro mine, and offices have been established in Pelly Crossing, Ross River and Whitehorse for its administration. The Yukon government is undertaking care and maintenance at United Keno Hill and BYG Mount Nansen; it is also undertaking the second year of a two-year stabilization program at Clinton Creek. Ketza is currently inactive; it is inspected on an annual basis by regulatory authorities to ensure there is no danger to persons, property or the environment. Viceroy Brewery Creek and Minto are under active care and maintenance by their owner/operator.

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