Energy, Mines, and Resources
Assessment and Abandoned Mines
Abandoned Mines
Background
Clinton Creek Pages...
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The Clinton Creek asbestos mine is located approximately 100 km northwest of Dawson City. The mine was operated by the Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Limited from October 1967 until August 1978.
The mine consists of three open pits: Porcupine was the largest, followed by Snowshoe and Creek Pit. Approximately 60 million tons of waste rock was piled on the south side of Clinton Creek.
In 1974, movement in the Clinton Creek waste rock pile blocked the valley and creek, causing the water to back up and form a lake. This body of water, known as Hudgeon Lake, now covers 74 hectares and in places is up to 25 metres deep.
During operation, the mill emptied over 10 million tonnes of tailings onto the slope above the Wolverine Creek valley.
The tailings slid down the slope and partially blocked the water flow of Wolverine Creek. The tailings continue to move down the slope a few centimeters every year. This slide resulted in the creation of two small ponds and continued erosion of tailings material into the creek.
In 2003 after Devolution, Government of Yukon took over management of this mine site with Government of Canada providing funding. Government of Yukon continues to manage the site by monitoring the overall environment in and around the mine site and Government of Canada continues to provide funding for site maintenance, scientific studies and planning.
Contact Us:
Assessment and Abandoned Mines
Mail: Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
Phone: 867.393.7098
Fax: 867.456.6780
Email: yukonabandonedmines@gov.yk.ca
