Premier Pemberton announces early work to strengthen independence of the Yukon’s mining oversight and compliance

Press Release

August 14, 2025

Today, Premier Mike Pemberton announced the Government of Yukon has initiated early work to increase the independence of the territory’s mining regulatory oversight.

The current system plays an important role in inspecting mining operations, enforcing environmental regulations and monitoring the impacts of resource development on the Yukon’s land and waters. While this work is essential, the Government of Yukon is taking steps to create a system that is more independent, transparent and better able to respond to the changing needs of the territory.

Senior government officials have been tasked with enhancing the independence and capacity of the Yukon’s inspection, enforcement and monitoring system. This process will include engagement with frontline workers, Yukon First Nations, industry representatives and technical experts.

Key principles guiding this initiative include:

• ensuring meaningful involvement of Yukon First Nations;
• enhancing the independence and transparency of regulatory oversight; and
• increasing the capacity of the system to fulfil its mandate effectively.

The Government of Yukon is exploring whether the Yukon Water Board could provide an appropriate independent home for this oversight function.

Recent events – such as the catastrophic Eagle Gold heap leach failure and the findings of the Independent Review Board – highlight the importance and urgency of re-examining how regulatory oversight is structured and delivered. This initiative responds to ongoing feedback from Yukoners, Yukon First Nations governments and industry, who have all called for stronger, more independent oversight to build and maintain public confidence in mining operations and environmental protection.

This work is in early stages. The immediate focus is on gathering input and exploring ideas for a new approach that would better address existing challenges.

The Government of Yukon is committed to transparency and collaboration and will provide further updates as this work continues.

The Yukon needs bold ideas to strengthen how we protect our land and waters and how we can support a strong, sustainable mining industry. We know the system has room to be more independent. This early work is about listening and learning – bringing people together to explore new ways to get it right. Our priority is making sure Yukoners have confidence that our environment is protected now and for generations to come.

Premier Mike Pemberton

Quick facts

• The Yukon’s regulatory oversight system inspects mining activities, enforces environmental laws and monitors impacts on land and water.
• The system plays a critical role in ensuring responsible mining and protecting the Yukon’s natural environment.
• The Government of Yukon is committed to a collaborative approach that includes input from Yukon First Nations, industry and other partners.
• This exploration will not negatively impact current Government of Yukon employees. Frontline workers will be consulted and will lead the discussions throughout the process.
• This latest effort builds on the progress made through the Yukon’s new minerals legislation process, which involves collaboration with many partners at the table.

Media contact

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

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