Following a heap leach pad failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle gold mine in Yukon, Canada, government officials said that “elevated” levels of cyanide have been found in a creek downstream from the site.
“This level of cyanide in Haggart Creek could affect fish,” said Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker, noting that level was 0.04 milligrams per litre. “Fish toxicity testing is underway.”
Streicker said testing from Eagle itself showed high levels of cyanide, including 8.58 mg/l at the bottom of the slide. However, Victoria Gold stated that “continued environmental surface water quality sampling at multiple points downstream of the property has not detected any cyanide.”
There were no injuries to personnel associated with the June 24 incident. Victoria said its primary focus has been on the continued safety of its employees and mitigation of harm to the environment.
Production remains suspended with previous 2024 production and cost guidance forecasts retracted.
The Eagle mine is situated within the Dublin Gulch property, located in the Mayo Mining District of the central Yukon Territory and within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun.
Sources: CBC and Victoria Gold