Energy, Mines, and Resources

Interim Sub-surface Withdrawal - Peel Watershed Region

Peel Watershed Planning RegionThe Government of Yukon has issued an immediate one-year interim withdrawal from mineral staking to all Crown Land, Category B settlement lands and fee simple lands in the Peel Watershed Region in order to provide certainty during the ongoing regional land use planning process.

The withdrawal order is time limited until February 4, 2011, and covers the staking of any new quartz and placer claims.

Rights for oil and gas and coal will also not be issued in the region until February 4, 2011.

This interim withdrawal will ensure that the public, stakeholders and the First Nations involved in the process can fully review and assess the plan on the basis of the current mineral claims in the area.

This withdrawal applies to the issuance of new sub-surface rights only, the Yukon government will continue to facilitate regulatory approvals for surface activities required to access and explore the mineral potential on existing mineral claims in the Peel region.

This interim withdrawal will not pre-determine any outcomes in the planning process.

Frequently Asked Questions - Interim Sub-surface Withdrawal

What does the withdrawal apply to?
This withdrawal applies to all Crown Land, Category B settlement lands and fee simple lands within the Peel watershed planning region.

New mineral and placer claims cannot be staked, and rights for oil and gas, coal will not be issued in the region until February 4, 2011.

Detailed map of the interim withdrawal area  2.3 MB

How long will the withdrawal last?
Issuance of sub-surface rights in the Peel region will resume (in accordance with applicable Government of Yukon regulations and procedures), on February 4, 2011.

How will this affect current mineral claim holders?
This withdrawal applies to the issuance of new sub-surface rights only, the Yukon government will continue to facilitate regulatory approvals for surface activities required to access and explore the mineral potential on existing mineral claims in the Peel region.

How will this affect other activities in the Peel region?
Surface activities (recreation, outfitting, tourism, etc) are not affected by this interim withdrawal.

These activities will continue to be facilitated by the appropriate Yukon government regulatory processes.

Will the Yukon government compensate current mineral claim holders?
Compensation is not being considered at this time.

Will the work requirements for current mineral claim holders be deferred?
All regular administrative measures affecting existing quartz and placer claims and leases will continue to apply during this one year period. This includes normal requirements to maintain mineral tenure, such as grouping, work requirements, etc.

The Yukon government will also continue to provide regulatory approvals for surface activities required to access and explore the mineral potential on existing mineral claims in the Peel region.

Does this mean the Peel will never again be open for new mineral staking?
No, this interim withdrawal does not pre-determine any outcomes in the planning process.

The Government of Yukon is working towards a final regional land use plan that incorporates a variety of land use activities within the Peel watershed.

Was there consultation on the decision to make this interim withdrawal?
No, this interim mineral withdrawal has been made by the Government of Yukon Order-In-Council under the Quartz Mining Act and the Placer Mining Act. 

Sub-surface rights for oil and gas and coal will not be issued under the disposition authorities granted to the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources from the Territorial Lands Act (coal) and the Yukon Oil and Gas Act.

Will there be public consultation on the Peel regional land use plan?
Yes, there is an extensive public, community and stakeholder process to review the Recommended Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan.

Find out more about the planning process >>>