RE:The YUKON must support Mining & will protect the environmentHave a listen to this CBC interview with Chief Dawna Hope (25 days ago), in particular at around the
1:50 minute mark. It's pretty clear that FNs recognizes the need to continue mining in the Yukon but it needs to be done responsibly. A reasonable expectation for sure. And to me responsibly means not only operating responsibly during day-to-day operations but also effectively dealing with 'Unlikely Events' such as this VG incident when they occur.
Na-Cho Nyk Dun chief visits site of landslide at Victoria Gold mine | CBC.ca I'd say that the fact that VG is even still at the mine site suggests that Chief Hope is either waiting for the 3rd pary investigative results to determine the root cause before she (FNs) even consider whether VG stays or goes, or now sees that VG is acting responsibly by doing what they have already done so far to significantly mitigate the environmental effects of this incident.
In a few more weeks when it is proven that the water treatment solutions now being undertaken are effective, well under control and treated water is being released, and solutions to prevent or manage any further HLP movement are well underway, everyone can breathe a big sigh of relief. Not so good for the shorters but hey, if they get caught short I won't loose any sleep over it.
If there's one silver lining in all this, it's that the YTG must now go to the table and FNs will finally get their land use policies updated to their satisfaction and no doubt some significant changes pertaining to HLF mining operations, especially when it comes to dealing with the 'Unlikely Event'. I guess there's also a second silver lining here in that this 'Unlikely Event' has forced all parties to communicate and start working together to resolve this. This 'Unlikely Event' has and will become a case study for mining engineers, mine operators, and regulatory authorities for years to come and will lead how future HLF mining operations in the Yukon and around the world are built and operated for years to come.
As I've previously posted, the 3rd party investigate result identifying the Root Cause will be key in determining the fate of VG and all other near term HLF mining operations in the Yukon.
My opinion only, please DYODD.
HB77