Mining regulations temporarily amended to help manage regulatory backlog

Press Release

May 29, 2025

The Government of Yukon has adopted temporary measures to help manage a backlog of permit approvals and licence renewals for placer mining operations and quartz exploration projects. This backlog is due, in part, to the 10-year authorization cycle – which creates a disproportionate number of applications every decade. The Government of Yukon is taking this action in recognition of the important role the mineral exploration and mining industries play in the territory’s economy and the economic benefits that the industry provides to local communities.

Through temporary, time-limited amendments to the Placer Mining Land Use Regulation and the Quartz Mining Land Use Regulation, the Government of Yukon has extended approvals for eligible operators. Temporary additions to the Waters Regulation authorizes eligible operators to use water consistent with the terms of their existing licence while seeking a licence renewal.

These measures will allow the Government of Yukon to extend approvals for eligible operators who are awaiting project approvals. These extensions will only apply to previously-approved projects that have been through the First Nations consultation process and are within the temporal, spatial and activity scope of the decision documents already in place. These are temporary measures until the current regulatory backlog is resolved.

There are about 50 placer mining projects and four quartz exploration projects with approvals expired or expiring this year that have currently reapplied. Mineral Resources Branch staff will be contacting all operators that have pending applications to determine eligibility.

Operators with questions about the temporary measures should contact the Mineral Resources Branch at emr-mining-amendment@yukon.ca.

We’re taking action to ensure eligible placer miners and mineral exploration operators with expiring permits and licences are able to continue previously approved work this summer while they await their approvals. This is a temporary measure while the current regulatory backlog is resolved. We’re committed to ensuring that regulatory reviews continue to be done in a thorough manner with the participation of Yukon First Nations, stakeholders and the public as an important part of these processes.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

Quick facts

• Each year, the Mineral Resources Branch is responsible for consulting with affected First Nations on about 500 projects. To meet our duty to consult and our commitments to First Nations, project consultations sometimes take longer than statutory timelines.
• Many projects require working with other decision bodies under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act. This includes First Nations decision bodies and federal decision bodies such as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
• The Mineral Resources Branch is the decision body for most mining and exploration projects assessed under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act and is the regulator for exploration programs and major mines.
• The Yukon Water Board is responsible for approving Class 4 placer mining operating plans and water licences.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

John Thompson
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-332-9031
john.thompson@yukon.ca

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