The Dawson Regional Planning Commission has released its Recommended Plan this past summer of 2022 and public engagement and opportunity for industry feedback concludes on December 20, 2022. YCM and industry partners have reviewed the recommended plan and we respectfully provide the following comments in the form of a letter in hopes we are able to assist those in industry not able to draft their own response. This template was drafted in the hope to engage more industry representatives so that their voices and recommendations may be considered in the final Plan. Feel free to download, sign and submit to Simon@3pikas.com or edit to be in your own words.

 Download Letter

If you have any questions or would like YCM to add to their own more comprehensive DRLUP engagement submission, please email policyanalyst@yukonminers.ca . We look forward to continuing to advocate for the survival of industry in the Dawson Region.  

Whitehorse, Yukon

The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 22nd at the 50th Annual Geoscience Forum and Trade Show held at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. An election of officers (see attached list) was held, and 7 directors and 3 Executive positions were acclaimed.

President Loralee Johnstone, of Minto Metals Corp, was acclaimed to her second term. “Congratulations to the new board members, it is exciting to be able to work with you over the next year and I am honored to continue my role as President,” Ms. Johnstone said. “The Yukon Chamber of Mines will continue to advocate for Yukon’s highly regulated and responsible mining industry.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2021

Whitehorse, Yukon

The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) held its Annual General Meeting virtually on Wednesday, November 17th from the boardroom of the Yukon Chamber of Mines. An election of officers (see attached list) was held, and 7 directors vied for 6 seats, while the Executive was acclaimed.

Incoming President Loralee Johnstone, of Minto Mine Explorations Ltd. was acclaimed to her first term. “Congratulations to the new board members, it is exciting to be able to work with you over the next year and I am honored to take on the new role as president,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “In the year ahead Yukon’s mining industry will be facing many challenges which will bring opportunities to work with our Yukon partner organizations, Yukon Chamber of Commerce, Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, First Nation Chamber of Commerce, Klondike Placer Miners Association, Yukon Producers Group, Yukon Prospectors Association and Yukon Women in Mining, to collaborate and work for Yukon’s highly regulated and responsible mining industry.”

Brianne Warner, Executive Director of YCM added “Our members have stood by us, supported our efforts with legislative and regulatory changes and land use planning the last 6 months. Over the next year YCM will be working hard to ensure the exploration and mining industry has a promising future here in the territory.”

Mrs. Johnstone further noted “I’d like to thank the former board of directors for their volunteerism over the course of the last year and welcome new and returning members to the board to serve through 2022.”

Founded in 1943, the Yukon Chamber of Mines is a non-profit organization representing 700 members which includes exploration, mining and service and supply companies, contractors and individuals that have a direct or indirect interest in the mining industry.

As the trusted voice of mining, the Yukon Chamber of Mines thrives on the First Nation, government, community, and individual partnerships it forges to help facilitate an environment of responsible development - one in which Yukoners can continue to contribute and prosper.

2021/22 Yukon Chamber of Mines Board of Directors

President – Loralee Johnstone, Minto Mine Explorations Ltd.

Vice President – Andrew Carne, ATAC Resources Ltd.

2nd Vice President – Allan Nixon, BMC Minerals Ltd.

Past President – Ed Peart, Air North

Director – Mike Burke

Director – Tracy Dormer, Minto Mine Explorations Ltd.

Director – Brandon MacDonald, Fireweed Zinc Ltd.

Director – Stuart Murray, Smalls Expediting Ltd.

Director – Jerry Asp, Gray Wolf Solutions Ltd.

Director – Christian Roldan, Newmont Corporation

For more information, please visit www.yukonminers.org or contact:

Brianne Warner

Executive Director

Yukon Chamber of Mines

867.667.2090

ed@yukonminers.ca

The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) is proud to welcome Brianne Warner as it's new Executive Director, effective September 20th. Brianne joined the Chamber in April 2021 as the Executive Policy Analyst and has been acting Executive Director for the last six weeks.

Brianne comes to the YCM with enthusiasm and experience supporting our industry. The Board of Directors welcomes Brianne's initiative on several key projects already in her short time with the Chamber so far. Brianne has vision for her role going into the future and the Board supports her in leading the organization day to day.

Please join the Board of Directors in welcoming Brianne to the team and please feel free to give her a call and introduce yourself.

Welcome, Brianne.

Thanks,



Ed Peart
YCM President
 

Editorial for the Yukon Chamber of Mines

For July 2021 Submission to the Yukon News and Whitehorse Star

On June 15, the Dawson Regional Planning Commission released its Draft Land Use Plan (LUP) - Onthe Land We Walk Together"/ "Nän käk ndä tr'ädäl for an area encompassing 39,854 squarekilometres or approximately 10 per cent of the Yukon.

The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) extends its appreciation to the Commission for its hard work inbringing the plan to this stage. Our valued membership of over 700 also appreciates theopportunity to comment on the Draft LUP through the Commission’s public engagement processcurrently underway until November 1, 2021.

The YCM fully supports land use planning in the territory and believes the process is a valuable toolin providing certainty and encouraging understanding and appreciation of the value differentsectors bring to the territory. The Yukon Mineral Development Strategy set some very aggressivetimelines for completion of remaining land use plans in the Yukon and the Chamber has alreadyreached out to Yukon Government, First Nations and the Council of Yukon First Nations to pledgeour organization’s support for the process and to confirm our commitment to being part of the process in bringing the remaining land use plans to fruition.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2021

The Yukon Chamber of Mines Celebrates the Winners of the 2021 - Walks & Rocks Scavenger Hunt held during Yukon Mining & Geology Week May 31st to June 4th 2021

Whitehorse, Yukon

The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) would like to celebrate the 2021 - Walks & Rocks Scavenger Hunt Winners in partnership with Yukon’s Women in Mining (YWIM) and the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS).

• 1st Prize for Prospector of the Year with the most discoveries of iconic and historical sites throughout Yukon, went to Gina Anderson who was awarded a $500 gift certificate to Angelina’s Toy Boutique and;

• 1st Prize Geologist of the Year - Best Yukon Rock Sample & Field Photo including Grey Mountain Cave and mineral collection at the Yukon Visitor Center, goes to Amber and Inara Church who were awarded a $500 gift certificate to Triniti Technology

pdf Press Release Bicycle Week and Mining and Geology Week (108 KB)

THE YUKON CHAMBER OF MINES proudly presents another version of our annual mining directory, a tool seen by many as required reading for working in the Yukon mining industry. We hope you, as many other have, find this directory useful as we enter the 2020 field season. If you would like a copy of the directory, they will be made available at the Yukon Chamber of Mines office or can be mailed to you by contacting admin@yukonminers.ca. The directory is available as a PDF file at the link below:

pdf Yukon Mining and Exploration Directory 2020-2021 (10.30 MB)

THE YUKON CHAMBER OF MINES proudly presents another version of our annual mining directory, a tool seen by many as required reading for working in the Yukon mining industry. We hope you, as many other have, find this directory useful as we enter the 2019 field season. If you would like a copy of the directory, they will be made available at the Yukon Chamber of Mines office or can be mailed to you by contacting admin@yukonminers.ca.

The directory is available as a PDF file at the link below:

pdf Yukon Mining and Exploration Directory 2019-2020 (12.59 MB)

The purpose of the Yukon First Nations Engagement & Consultation Tool Website and Mobile App for the Mineral Exploration Industry (the Guide) is to provide relevant and timely information to mineral explorers and those who work with the industry on engagement and consultation requirements and expectations in Yukon.  The Guide can be accessed through hard copy, and a web-based version, which is also available through an app.   Although the Guide is primarily focused on information to mineral explorers, and will speak to that industry specifically, it will also be useful for those working with the industry such as investors, academic institutions and government organizations (public and First Nation). 

Whitehorse, Yukon – The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) applauds the renewed resource royalty deal announced at yesterday’s Yukon Forum by Premier Sandy Silver and Grand Chief Peter Johnston.

“The Yukon Chamber of Mines has been lobbying/advocating for revenue royalty sharing with First Nations since 2014. Resource royalty revenue sharing is another avenue in which First Nations can participate in the economic benefits of mineral exploration within their traditional territories”, said President Sue Craig. “We are pleased the Yukon Government has honoured its commitment made during the 2016 election campaign to share resource royalties collected by Yukon Government with Yukon First Nations as outlined under Chapter 23 of the Umbrella Final Agreement”.

Whitehorse, Yukon
The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) is responding to the Supreme Court of Canada judgement on the Peel Watershed Land Use Plan process. YCM remains concerned with the trajectory of land withdrawals in Yukon.

Currently 17% of Yukon’s total land mass is off limits to mineral exploration, the highest percentage within any province/territory in the Country.

On November 21st, 2022 during the 50th Golden Anniversary of the Yukon Geoscience Forum & Trade Show, the Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) awarded the 2022 Community Award, Member Award, First Nation Award, Leckie Awards, and Yukon Prospectors Award at the Geoscience Awards Banquet. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2022

50TH GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE YUKON GEOSCIENCE FORUM AND TRADE SHOW TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 19 TO 22

Hosted by the Yukon Chamber of Mines, the Yukon Geoscience Forum and Trade Show is the largest of its kind north of 60 and will return to an in-person format this November 19 to 22 in Whitehorse.

Industry leaders, representatives from the Government of Yukon and First Nation Governments and businesses will meet over the course of the four-day event to share the past seasons’ successes and challenges, highlighting opportunities and discoveries. The forum is also a platform to engage youth and students in educational programming, which supports the overall advancement of the mineral sector through increased awareness.

“The forum is a means to bring together members and all stakeholders to facilitate responsible development, which is a key element of modern mining. 50 years is an exceptional achievement and a testimony to all the Yukoners who have come before and contributed to its mining industry, history, culture, and economy.” Loralee Johnstone, President, Yukon Chamber of Mines

This year the Yukon Geoscience Forum and Trade Show’s theme is Resources, Resilience and Relationships.

“I am very excited to once again participate in the Yukon Geoscience Forum. I believe Yukon is poised to set global standards in ESG through its collaboration with First Nations and play an international role in critical mineral development. I want to congratulate the Yukon Chamber of Mines on 50 years of organizing this world-class event to showcase our territory’s vast mineral potential.” Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai.

The Yukon Chamber of Mines is excited to announce the following featured speakers at this year’s event in downtown Whitehorse at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre:

Keith Haliday, Author – Yukon Economy & Mining – 2:40pm to 3:00pm November 19

Alex Christopher, President, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada –

A Critical Point For Canada’s Mineral Industry – 9:10am to 9:40am November 20

Photinie Koutsavlis, VP, Economic Affairs and Climate Change, Mining Association of Canada – 10:30am to 11:10am November 21

“BMC is very proud to be a member and supporter of the YCM and Geoscience. 50 years of Geoscience is itself a testimony to the YCM’s Resources, Resiliency, and Relationships as without any one of these the Chamber would not be successful in its endeavors of which Geoscience is but one. Our industry faces challenging times in the coming years but being able to come together at Geoscience to discuss those challenges and celebrate our successes, while having the YCM working hard on our behalf, gives me confidence that we will meet those challenges and continue to play a key role in the continued evolution of the Yukon as a premier mining jurisdiction. Scott Donaldson CEO of BMC Minerals.

 The 50th annual Yukon Geoscience Forum and Trade Show will be held from November 19^th to 22^nd. To register please visit https://www.yukongeoscience.ca/

Contact:

Brianne Warner

Executive Director

Yukon Chamber of Mines

ed@yukonminers.ca

About Yukon Chamber of Mines:

The Yukon Chamber of Mines represents a dynamic membership and since its creation almost 70 years ago, has worked to serve its valued members and advance the interests of all those involved in the Yukon mining industry. Membership has burgeoned over the years from a dozen founding members in 1943 to more than 400 today. This strong and diverse group includes exploration, mining and service and supply companies, contractors and individuals that have a direct or indirect interest in the mining industry.

Significant discoveries and newly-opened mines and a commitment to responsibility place the Yukon at the forefront of the mining industry. As the trusted voice of mining, the Yukon Chamber of Mines thrives on the government, community, First Nation and individual partnerships it forges to help facilitate an environment of responsible development – one in which its members can continue to contribute and prosper.

THE YUKON CHAMBER OF MINES proudly presents the 2022-2023 version of our annual mining directory, a tool seen by many as required reading for working in the Yukon mining industry. We hope you, as many other have, find this directory useful. If you would like a copy of the directory, they will be made available at the Yukon Chamber of Mines office or can be mailed to you by contacting admin@yukonminers.ca

The directory is available as a PDF file at the link below:

Download

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2021

Whitehorse, Yukon

The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) has made the difficult decision to cancel the 49^th Annual Geoscience Forum & Trade Show to be held on November 20^th to 23^rd, due to the Yukon Government’s (YG) recently declared State of Emergency and limits on organized gatherings, including conferences. YCM understands and respects Yukon Government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across the Yukon. 

YCM has been working hard to deliver a hybrid event with the support of industry, delegates, sponsors and keynotes and we are extremely disappointed to have to come to this decision. The geoscience forum is the largest annual conference held in Whitehorse, and we are saddened to be unable to bring the positive benefits to local businesses and the Yukon economy that we have in previous years. 

It is extremely important to the Chamber to ensure we continue to offer opportunities for industry to network and communicate their achievements and attract investments to the territory. This decision is being taken primarily due to the new restrictions on gatherings, but the YCM also wants to ensure the reputation built up by industry over the past year and a half for effectively managing the challenges of COVID is not jeopardized by our event. We ask for your understanding of our decision and hope that we can count on your support as we move forward in the coming weeks.

We recognize cancelling the event means missed opportunities for our members, contractors, speakers, and our industry as a whole and we respectfully request your patience as we develop plans to deliver the 2021 technical program in the new year. We will have more details available in the coming weeks and will be in a position to start processing refunds as of December 1st. 

“This is not the outcome we wanted however this is the responsible thing to do given the position that the Yukon is in right now. The Board of Directors and staff are now working hard to determine what the next steps will be and our focus is to ensure that we’re bringing real benefits to the Yukon through our Geoscience Forum that we’ve enjoyed for so many years.  It’s important to us that we keep promoting the Yukon as a modern and responsible mining jurisdiction, and to inform Yukoners through this venue about the benefits that mining brings to the Territory, and to the lives of Yukoners.” Ed Peart, President Yukon Chamber of Mines.

Brianne Warner

Executive Director

Yukon Chamber of Mines

ed@yukonminers.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 15, 2021

The Yukon Chamber of Mines congratulates Selkirk First Nation and Minto Mine on the release of their third annual Socio-economic Monitoring Program report

Whitehorse, Yukon

The Mine has spent billions in the Yukon bringing the Mine into operations. Between2006 and 2018 they spent $1.4 billion in operating and capital expenditures. $11 millionof the $320 million spent in the Yukon between 2013 and 2018 was in Pelly Crossing.The mine continues to strive to hire and train locally and the positive effects of that areshown in the report. Minto Mine royalties paid to Selkirk First Nation from 2008 to 2020 total $33 million (https://yukon.ca/en/doing-business/funding-and-support-business/see-how-much-royalty-has-been-paid-quartz-mining-yukon.)

The current COVID-19 pandemic crisis is affecting all industries both nationwide and internationally and Yukon's Mining Industry is no different. Over the past few weeks we have seen the various levels of government rapidly developing new policies and regulations for different industries as they attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19. These new policies have had great impacts on the day to day business that goes on across these industries, which is why the Yukon Chamber of Mines is committed to passing on all relevant information and best practices to help keep our membership safe. Please review the resources linked below, and keep an eye out for more information coming soon.

Yukon Government Plans for Reopening Yukon

COVID-19 Resources for Yukon Miners

Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-9pm from April 10th-May 29th

The Yukon Chamber of Mines is pleased to announce that our intro to Geology and Prospecting Course is back, and we presently accepting Registrations!

The Intro to Prospecting course is 40 hours of engaging lectures in which you will develop a fundamental knowledge of basic-intermediate geology and the fundamentals of prospecting, from a seasoned Yukon Geologist with over 30 years of prospecting experience. From mineral identification to how to stake a claim, the Basic Prospecting course will teach you what you need to know!

Whitehorse, YT, January 10, 2019 —

Kate Carmack has taken her place with the Klondike Discoverers: Skookum Jim Mason, Dawson Charlie, George Carmack and Robert Henderson - in the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

This week Zena McLean, a descendent of Kate Carmack, travelled to Toronto to accept the honour on her behalf. She was joined by Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill and Elder Councillor Jessie Dawson, Yukon government Deputy Premier Ranj Pillai, AFN Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, members of Youth of Today Society as well as Yukon Chamber of Mines Past President Sue Craig and Executive Director Samson Hartland.