An environmental assessment.The board predicts Yukon will have the fastest growing economy in Canada in the next few years, but that forecast is also based on the expectation that all three proposed mines (Eagle, Coffee, and Casino) eventually go into production. Western Copper and Gold owns the Casino mine project, which is still several years away from construction and would take about $2.5 billion to get to production.
The company says the mine will produce mainly gold and copper, would be operational for roughly 22 years, and could employ up to 1,000 people at peak production. The proposed site is enormous, features a controversial dam, and could double Yukon's total gold production.
The Casino project still needs an environmental assessment. The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) has sent the project for its highest level of review, citing concerns about tailings, waste management, and impacts on caribou.