Selkirk First Nation is one step closer to fully purchasing an abandoned mine on its traditional territory.
On Sept. 5, Yukon’s Supreme Court approved the sale of Minto’s mine assets, including equipment and the facility’s mill, from the mine’s receiver to the First Nation.
The mine’s previous owners, Minto Metals Corp., abandoned the site in May 2023. The mine’s receiver, Pricewaterhousecoppers, has been in charge of managing the property and its assets since then.
Chief Sharon Nelson said in a release the acquisition “is a monumental step for Selkirk people.”
“We have always pushed for the environmental integrity of the Minto Mine site, but we will now be positioned for more command and control of the site which opens up many possibilities in the future for Selkirk People, including the potential of exploration and reopening,” she said.
Representatives for Selkirk didn’t respond to repeated requests from APTN News for an interview.
It further noted in the release that the court decision granted it “command and control” of the site, supporting its goal to prevent the mine from permanently closing.
“The acquisition could keep a foot in the door for potential exploration which economically, could significantly benefit our community, as well as the broader Yukon region, by creating jobs, training opportunities, and business contracts,” it said.
Holly Dalrymple, a spokesperson with the territory’s department of energy, mines and resources, said in a statement to APTN that a First Nation-owned exploration company operating in the Yukon would be the first of its kind in the territory.
She said the First Nation is working with Pricewaterhousecoppers on a second transaction which will address the mine’s mining claims, mineral leases and authorizations which are necessary for it to conduct exploration activities on the site.
Dalrymple said if the second court order transaction is approved, the First Nation plans to conduct exploration work through 2025 and into 2026.
“It hopes to be positioned in mid-2026 to make decisions about the potential re-opening of the mine,” she said.
Dalrymple noted that the government, which is responsible for reclamation and closure work at the existing mine site, will continue to do so using financial security provided by Minto Metals Corp.
She said any new mining activities at the site will be regulated under applicable legislation and authorizations, including collecting the required security for remaining environmental liability and for any future planned operations at the site.
“Much work remains for the Government of Yukon, Selkirk First Nation, and the receiver to clarify how rights and responsibilities would be assigned and transitioned effectively,” she said.
Minto is one of several abandoned mines in the territory, including Mt. Nansen, Faro, Wolverine and Keno.
Eagle Gold Mine
PricewaterhouseCoopers is also involved in the Eagle Gold Mine. On June 24, the mine, formerly owned by Victoria Gold Corp., suffered a massive landslide that allowed millions of litres of chemicals to leach into local rivers. An Ontario court put the company in receivership. The receiver fired the CEO and the board.
An independent review board is now investigating the cause of the landslide.
