Energy, Mines, and Resources
Minerals
Mining in Yukon
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.
Class 1 programs:
- activities are defined as “grassroots” exploration
- activities have low potential to cause adverse environmental effects
- work and reclamation is completed within a year
- do not require government approval
- operator must comply with the Operating Conditions (Schedule 1)
- assessment under the Yukon Environmental and Socio Economic Assessment Act (YESAA) is not required
Class 2 programs:
- represent the upper level of “grassroots” exploration activities
- a notification which outlines the activities and how they will be reclaimed must be submitted through the Mining Lands Office
- activities have moderate potential to cause adverse environmental effects
- assesment through YESAA is required
- work and reclaimation must be completed within one year
Class 3 and Class 4 programs:
- require submission of a detailed Operating Plan to the Mining Lands Office
- assesment through YESAA is required
- 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
How to obtain a Class 2 Quartz or Placer Notification Approval 382 KB
How to obtain a Class 3 Placer Exploration Program Approval 354 KB
How to obtain a Class 4 Placer Exploration Program Approval and Water Licence 353 KB
How to obtain a Class 3 or Class 4 Quartz Exploration Program Approval 379 KB
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).
How to obtain a Land Use Permit 374 KB - For more on Land Use in Yukon, visit the Land Services website.
Contact Us:
Mining Land Use Officers
Dawson - Shirley Hill
Phone: 867.993.5343
Fax: 867.993.6747
Mayo - Alicia Jung
Phone: 867.996.2256
Fax: 867.996.2617
Watson Lake - Alissa Sampson
Phone: 867.536.7366
Fax: 867.536.7842
Whitehorse - Tori-Ann Chislett
Phone: 867.667.3107
Fax: 867.667.5150
Toll-free number for all districts: 1.800.661.0408.
