Minto Mine Socio-economic Monitoring Program releases third annual report

 

Joint news release with Selkirk First Nation and Minto Explorations Ltd.

Selkirk First Nation, Minto Explorations Ltd. and the Government of Yukon have released the Minto Mine Socio-economic Monitoring Program’s 2016 to 2018 annual report. The report offers insight into socio-economic trends related to the nearby copper-gold-silver mine with a focus on Selkirk First Nation citizens and the community of Pelly Crossing. The report provides an update on the tripartite Minto Mine socio-economic monitoring program and builds on previous reports from 2014 and 2015.

Many trends in the report are neutral or positive for Pelly Crossing and Selkirk First Nation, indicating living conditions are either stable or improving. Key findings indicate that Minto Mine continues to contribute to Yukon’s economy and to that of Selkirk First Nation in a substantive way while increasing opportunities for First Nation citizens from across the territory.

Minto Mine spent over $320 million in the Yukon between 2013 and 2018; $11 million of that was in Pelly Crossing. In 2018, the mine employed 23 Selkirk First Nation citizens. This has been a steady increase since 2008. The mine employed as many as 100 people during peak mining operations in 2015.

The report notes that Selkirk First Nation citizens are increasingly employed in semi-skilled jobs at Minto Mine, as opposed to entry-level jobs. They and other Yukoners are primarily engaged in surface mining “and the skills required for surface mining are readily available in Yukon.”

Key recommendations of the Minto Mine Socio-economic Monitoring Program 2016 to 2018 annual report:

  • Continue work with the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining and Yukon University on training programs.
  • Continue to engage in discussions with Selkirk First Nation and Selkirk Development Corporation on economic opportunities.
  • Evaluate the impacts of the temporary closure and COVID-19 pandemic as unique events with significant impacts.
  • Enhance the overall management of positive and negative socio-economic effects that may result from the mine.

These reports are the result of a strong working relationship between the Government of Yukon, the Selkirk First Nation and Minto Explorations Ltd. It is important that we monitor the socio-economic impacts of mining activity in our territory to ensure that local communities benefit. We support the report’s recommendations and we will continue to work towards increasing job opportunities for Selkirk First Nation citizens, addressing housing issues and delivering more education and training opportunities.

Premier Sandy Silver

These reports highlight our successes and help us focus on priority areas. Our government continues to work for the betterment of our community.

Selkirk First Nation Deputy Chief Morris Morrison

Minto Explorations is proud of the tripartite efforts to detail the socio-economic impacts of the Minto Mine Operation here in the Yukon. This report outlines the many contributions of Minto Explorations and is an important step in moving forward with initiatives to improve the benefits for all Yukoners and Selkirk First Nation. Minto looks forward to announcing new initiatives in 2021 aligned with recommendations contained within this Report.

Minto Mine President Chris Stewart

Quick facts 
  • Minto Explorations Ltd. operates the underground copper-gold-silver mine located approximately 240 kilometres north of Whitehorse and 35 kilometres south-west of Pelly Crossing on Selkirk First Nation Settlement Land. 

  • In 2014, Selkirk First Nation, Minto Explorations Ltd. and the Government of Yukon agreed to monitor the social, economic and cultural effects of the Minto Mine. 

  • In 2018, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the socio-economic monitoring program, and contribute to the planning of future resource projects in the region and across the Yukon.

  • Between 2016 and 2018, approximately 50 per cent of Minto Mine employees were Yukon residents. Of those, approximately 11 per cent were Selkirk First Nation citizens and 13 per cent were from other First Nations.

  • The mine closed in October 2018 and began operating again in October 2019 after Pembridge Resources acquired Minto Mine from Capstone Mining Corporation.

  • Between 2006 and 2018, cumulative operating and capital expenditures for the Minto Mine totalled over $1.4 billion. 

  • The mine anticipates entering an active closure phase in 2025.

  • Findings from Selkirk First Nation’s Household Survey were included in the 2015 annual report.

  • A second household survey was anticipated in 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic.

Media contact 

Oshea Jephson
Executive Council Office, Communications
867-332-3135
oshea.jephson@yukon.ca

Chris Stewart
President
Minto Explorations
778-655-9898

Line Gagnon
Communications Advisor
Selkirk First Nation
867-336-2468

News release #: 
21-231