Yukon extends Ross River mineral staking ban

A mineral staking ban in the Ross River area has been extended for two months.

The original ban, put in place four months ago, was to expire this week.

The territorial government is under a court order to consult with the Ross River Dena Council over what land is open to staking. It did not have an agreement by last December's deadline so the staking ban has been in effect since then.

Premier Darrell Pasloski says today's extension should give the First Nation time to complete community consultations and present its findings.

He also expects the government will finish its consultations with the First Nation by the June 30 deadline.