Yukon review board OKs Minto Mine expansion

Yukon’s Minto Mine could soon be expanding.

The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board, or YESAB, has recommended approval of three new open-pit and two new underground mines.

In its decision, the Board says the mine and the eventual reclamation work should be allowed to continue to 2023.

YESAB also recommends the mine owners, Capstone Mining Corp., leave the final decision on a tailings dam up to the Selkirk First Nation.

The copper mine sits on the First Nation’s land and the board says their citizens would be most affected by a dam failure.

The Minto Mine is located on the Selkirk First Nation 240 km northwest of Whitehorse and 41 kilometres southwest of Pelly Crossing.

The recommendation includes 39 term and conditions that would mitigate harm to the environment and communities affected by the mine.

The Yukon Government and the Selkirk First Nation have 30 days to review the recommendation and issue their decision on the proposal.