Yukon environmental reviewers prepare to assess 1st full-fledged mine

The Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board says it is breaking new ground by preparing a final screening report of the proposed Carmacks Copper project.

The board's environmental screening of Western Copper Corp.'s proposed copper mine will be the board's first assessment of a full-fledged mine, as opposed to a mineral exploration project.

"We are not swayed by the importance of having a mine in operation or anything else," Stephen Mills, an executive committee member with the board, said Wednesday.

"What we want to have is if this mine proceeds, that it proceeds in a responsible manner that mininizes environmental impacts, minimizes the impacts to people [and] cultures, and maximizes economic benefits to Yukoners. And we're confident in our process that we've undertaken."

The proposed mine, to be located 38 kilometres northwest of Carmacks, has come under criticism from the local First Nations and Yukon conservation groups over its possible impacts on the Yukon River ecosystem.

Their criticism has since forced mine engineers to more than triple the cost estimates for decommissioning the mine.

Mills says the board's final report will be ready for the territorial government to review by mid-July. If it's approved, the mine could be fully permitted before the end of this summer.