After the Eagle Gold heap leach failure, an in-depth independent review was launched to find the cause of the failure and identify what could have prevented it.
The Independent Review Board (IRB) of mining experts examined the failure and produced a report with 56 recommendations. These recommendations will:
- reduce the risk of similar failures; and
- strengthen mining practices and oversight.
When fully implemented, they will improve practices and lead to a stronger, more resilient mining industry in the Yukon.
What we’re doing
We’ve committed to implementing all 56 recommendations made by the IRB.
We’re updating our regulatory and enforcement practices and our technical guidelines to meet the recommendations and ensure best practices.
Of the 56 recommendations:
- 52 are implemented
- 4 are in progress
We've strengthened our licensing criteria, so all new and existing mine licences meet the Independent Review Board's safety standards and recommendations. Licence applicants need to show how they'll apply these recommendations.
We expect all recommendations to be completed by spring 2027. Going forward, we'll work to ensure our regulatory and enforcement programs meet evolving best practices.
Some of the recommendations are for mining companies to strengthen their project, corporate governance and performance monitoring. We’re incorporating these into our regulations and policies to make sure mines are implementing them.
Read the Independent Review Board recommendation progress update to learn more.
If you have questions, email [email protected].