Chief calls for independent investigation of mine slide and leach pad failure

By Odette Auger Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 05/07/2024 07:27 ​The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun is demanding an independent investigation into the June 24 leach pad failure at Victoria Gold Corp.’s Eagle Gold Mine, 85 kilometres north of the First Nation in Mayo, Yukon. There is a serious risk of cyanide contamination, said Chief Dawna Hope, and more than one nation is downstream. Hope is the first female chief of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and holds a degree in Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences from Yukon University and the University of Alberta. She said the failure occurred on the mine’s leach pad itself, causing a landslide. “The severity of contamination from cyanide, as well as other chemicals, has not been publicly conveyed. This event has implications on all life in…

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