Articles Posted in Eagle Mine

Salmon advocates are expressing grave concerns after a recent cyanide spill at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine, fearing that the pollution, which has not been fully contained, could harm the Yukon River’s already struggling salmon populations.

Following a major equipment failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine, the Government of Yukon has taken charge of a comprehensive cleanup effort. The accident, which occurred on June 24, 2024, resulted in the release of nearly 10.54 million cubic feet of cyanide solution into the Stewart Watershed, a crucial segment of the Yukon River’s extensive network. This incident has sparked widespread concern about its potential long-term environmental impact in both the United States and Canada.

The spill, equivalent to the volume of over 120 Olympic-sized swimming pools, poses a severe threat to the ecosystem. Yukon officials have confirmed that extensive monitoring will be required to assess and mitigate the damage caused by the cyanide, a substance known for its toxicity to salmon and other aquatic life. Within ten days of the spill, elevated cyanide levels were detected in a nearby creek, raising warnings among environmentalists and local authorities.