Statement from Minister Streicker on the one-year mark of the heap leach failure at the Eagle Gold Mine

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“Today marks the one-year mark of the heap leach failure that occurred at the Eagle Gold Mine. This is a moment to acknowledge the serious environmental impacts caused by the failure, to recognize the important work done to help stabilize the mine site and mitigate impacts to the environment and to look ahead to what happens next.

“We have faced this disaster head on. From day one, our government has recognized the seriousness of the failure’s environmental impacts and the urgency of the response.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked at the Eagle Gold Mine site to help mitigate the environmental impacts and to stabilize the site following the failure – including employees of Victoria Gold, who brought knowledge and continuity during a difficult time. I also want to acknowledge the technical teams from our government, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation, as well as the Receiver, whose expertise, collaboration and dedication have been critical throughout this process. These folks faced many challenges, through the cold winter and into the crunch time of having to ramp up water storage and treatment ahead of spring melt. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we’re on track to have the site stabilized by this fall.

“Looking forward, we have two important milestones approaching. The court-appointed Receiver is expected to begin the search for a suitable buyer for the Eagle Gold Mine. The Government of Yukon is a key stakeholder as the receivership lender and the territory’s main mining regulator. We’ve provided input into the process to help ensure that the interests of Yukoners are protected. This includes setting out criteria to ensure that any potential buyer is responsible, experienced and well-resourced.

“As well, the Independent Review Board is wrapping up its work to determine the cause(s) of the heap leach failure. The board will submit the final version of the report to the court-appointed Receiver on June 30, 2025. The report is expected to be published online soon after, as per the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review Board.

“From day one, our focus has been on protecting on site safety, the environment, our communities and our way of life. We are committed to understanding exactly what caused this failure – and ensuring it never happens again.”