Energy, Mines, and Resources

Major Mine Licensing

A major hard rock mining project in the Yukon, engaging in development and/or production, requires a detailed environmental and socio-economic assessment combined with various regulatory approvals. These assessments and approvals include, but are not limited to a Water License and a Quartz Mining License.

There are two distinct stages that a project must go through before mining activity can commence. First, an assessment determines whether significant adverse environmental or socio-economic effects are likely to occur. Second, a regulatory licensing approval process needs to take place.

Yukon currently has five major mining projects in progress. These projects are either currently licensed under the Quartz Mining Act  578 KB or have submitted an application and project description and are undergoing an environmental assessment. The four projects with Quartz Mining Licenses are in various stages of production ranging from pre-production and development to temporary closure.

A number of additional projects are presently in the advanced exploration and pre-feasibility study phase. However, these projects are not included on this web page as, to date, a project description and an application for a Quartz Mining License has not been filed by the respective companies and received by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.

Pursuant to the Quartz Mining Act  578 KB current project information, along with respective licenses, approvals, reports, submissions, etc. can be found on the specific mine sites listed in the right hand menu.

Copies of Water Licenses are available at the Yukon Water Board.

In the past, environmental assessments were undertaken by the Yukon Government, Development Assessment Branch.

As of November 28, 2005, Yukon assessments are conducted by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board.

For more on Abandoned Mines in Yukon, visit the Assessment and Abandoned Mines website.