Disastrous collapse of cyanide-soaked ore at Yukon mine happened in seconds: report

An independent review says last year’s spill of millions of tonnes of cyanide-soaked ore at a Yukon gold mine unfolded in seconds but resulted from the “accumulation of a series of adverse conditions and events.”

The 156-page report released Wednesday says the June 2024 collapse was triggered by the failure of a section of Eagle Gold Mine’s heap leach facility, which was too steep and had a history of poor drainage.

It says that in addition to “geomechanical causations” of the collapse, it’s clear that “actions and inactions” of owner Victoria Gold Corp. and third-party contractors also contributed to the failure, directly or indirectly.

It says if variability of the ore quality had been adequately managed, or the integrity of parts of the system had been ensured, the failure at the mine about 85 km north of Mayo in central Yukon “would probably not have occurred.”

The report makes a series of recommendations related to industry practices and regulatory processes.

Yukon Energy Minister John Streicker says in a statement that the government is reviewing the findings and recommendations and is “committed to taking appropriate action in response.”

“We are also seeing encouraging signs on site, with cyanide, mercury and other contaminant levels decreasing. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the response and remediation efforts,” he said.

The mine has not operated since the collapse and Victoria Gold was placed in receivership in August 2024.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025

Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press