The Yukon government has reported that elevated levels of mercury were found in a creek near the site of a mine’s ore containment facility failure, which resulted in a release of cyanide-contaminated rock in June.
The government statement also revealed that high levels of cyanide and dissolved metals are still being detected in the groundwater at testing sites near the Eagle Gold mine slide where millions of tonnes of ore spilled.
Although officials have not observed unsafe levels of cyanide in the downstream environment, they noted that mercury levels exceeded the water quality objective at a monitoring station south of the site on September 24 and 26.
The government is currently collecting more data to analyze the impact on the environment in this area located 480 kilometers north of Whitehorse.
Inquiries regarding the mercury levels have been directed to the Department of Environment, which has promised to provide answers early next week.
The mine owner, Victoria Gold, is currently in receivership, and the Yukon government has initiated an independent review to investigate the cause of the failure.
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