Energy, Mines, and Resources

Mining Land Use

The Quartz Mining Land Use Regulation  519 KB and the Placer Mining Land Use Regulation  477 KB consist of a classification system based on varying levels of specific activities. These threshold levels categorize exploration activities into four classes of operation. Classes 1 through 4 represent activities with increasing potential to cause adverse environmental impacts.

Activities within a Class 1 program are defined as “grassroots” exploration with low potential to cause adverse environmental effects, and where activities and reclamation are completed within a year. A Class 1 program does not require government approval and the operator must comply with the Operating Conditions (Schedule 1). An assessment under the Yukon Environmental and Socio Economic Assessment Act (YESAA) is not required for a Class 1 program.

Class 2 programs are considered to represent the upper level of “grassroots” exploration activities. A notification submitted through the Mining Lands Office which outlines the activities and how they will be reclaimed is required. These programs comprise activities that have a moderate potential to cause adverse environmental effects and therefore require an assessment through YESAA. All work and reclamation must be completed within 1 year.

All Class 3 and Class 4 programs require submission of a detailed Operating Plan to the Mining Lands Office. A YESAA assessment is required. The Operating Plan must be approved before any exploration activities can proceed. Operating Plans may entail multi-year exploration programs to allow greater flexibility for the operator. Class 4 placer programs, are permitted by the Yukon Water Board through a delegation of authority and will include a Water License.

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

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

For more on Land Use in Yukon, visit the Land Services website.

Contact Mining Land Use Officers: 

 

Dawson - Suzie Fournier
Phone: 867.993.5343
Fax: 867.993.6747

Mayo - Neil Salvin
Phone: 867.996.2256
Fax: 867.996.2617

Watson Lake - Nancy Moore or Alissa Sampson
Phone: 867.536.7366
Fax: 867.536.7842

Whitehorse - Tori-Ann Chislett or Julie Stinson
Phone: 867.667.3107
Fax: 867.667.5150

Toll-free number for all districts: 1.800.661.0408.