Yukon environment group funds research

The Whitehorse-based Mining Environment Research Group (MERG) is funding five projects in the Yukon.

The projects are designed to reduce environmental compliance costs through the development of new technologies, while providing a better understanding of the impact mining has on the natural environment.

A volunteer organization, MERG consists of representatives of mining companies, the Yukon and federal governments, and the Yukon First Nations, among other groups.

To date, $45,600 has been designated for the following projects:

– Whitehorse-based EBA Engineering Consultants, in partnership with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) and Carcross Tagish First Nation, received $9,100 to research the effectiveness of low-permeability covers in reducing acid production at mine sites.

– The Klondike Placer Miners’ Association, also based in Whitehorse, was given $15,000 to test the quality of water near placer deposits. Sampling will be conducted in co-operation with DIAND.

– S.P. Withers Consulting, in partnership with Viceroy Minerals, took in $6,700 to study the potential for growing vegetation on reclaimed sites.

– Dylan MacGregor, a graduate student at the University of British Columbia, was awarded $10,000 to study ways to remove zinc from mine drainage waters. He will use the properties of United Keno Hill Mines, in the Mayo district, as a test site.

– Whitehorse-based Laberge Environmental Services received $4,800 to develop a brochure about cyanide use at Yukon mines.

The Yukon government and DIAND have each contributed $25,000 to fund the projects.