Energy, Mines, and Resources
Assessment and Abandoned Mines
Abandoned Mines
Fast Facts
Clinton Creek Pages...
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What was mined at Clinton Creek?
Asbestos was mined at the Clinton Creek mine site. Asbestos is found in serpentinite rock and was used for numerous industrial purposes.
Where is the mine located?
The mine is located 100 km northwest of Dawson City, Yukon. It is located in the Tr’ondek
Hwëch’in First Nation traditional territory.
When did the mine operate?
Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Limited operated the Clinton Creek mine from October 1967 to August 1978. By 1978, all of the available asbestos was mined.
What are the concerns at the mine site?
Hudgeon Lake was created when waste rock from the mine operation slid and blocked Clinton Creek and water pooled in the creek valley behind the rock forming the lake. When the valley was flooded, the vegetation died and decomposed. The decomposition process consumed oxygen and left the water with very little oxygen except for the top three metres of the lake. Fish cannot survive in the lower depths of the lake due to the lack of oxygen.
There is concern that Hudgeon Lake could erode the waste rock slide leading to significant flooding downstream. This could result in harm
to people, and fish habitat downstream from the waste rock pile. Also of concern are the tailings. The tailings from the milling operation slid down into
the Wolverine Creek Valley restricting water flow and forming two small ponds. The creek continues to wash the tailings into the stream.
What is in place to ensure public safety and no damage of environment at the mine site?
To prevent erosion of the Clinton Creek stream channel, rock-filled gabion baskets have been constructed in the channel and immediately downstream from the lake outlet.
Unsafe structures and equipment have been removed from the mine site, warning signs have been posted, and safety measures such as pit berms and barrier ditches are constructed to reduce public safety risks.
Ongoing monitoring of waste rock and tailings pile movement will continue until a long-term
management plan is established for the site. Water quality and aquatic effects studies being done to determine the effect on the aquatic life and habitat.
Warning signs are in place at the mine site to inform visitors of possible health hazards such as open pits and asbestos inhalation.
What about the asbestos?
Due to the health hazards associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres, it is no longer commonly used and is banned in many countries. Airquality testing has been done at the mine site and results indicate the health risks from breathing in air-born asbestos fibres are minimal.
What’s next for the site?
Yukon government continues to monitor the site for the protection of the environment and human health and safety. Work continues towards developing options for future management of Clinton Creek.
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
