Requirement for Review by a Panel of the Board

On January 3, 2014, YESAB’s Executive Committee received a project proposal from Casino Mining Corporation for the Casino Mine. This proposal is for the construction, operation, decomissioning, and remediation of a copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum mine located approximately 150 km northwest of Carmacks (approximately 300 km from Whitehorse). The mine would process approximately 120 000 tonnes of ore per day, or 43.8 million tonnes per year, over a 22-year mine life.

On February 17, 2016, after reviewing information submitted by Casino Mining Corporation, affected First Nations, decision bodies, and YESAB’s consultants, and other participants, the Executive Committee determined that the a panel of the board is required to review and assess the proposed project.

The decision to require a panel review is based on two criteria set out in Section 58 of the YESAA legislation:

• The project might contribute significantly to cumulative adverse environmental or socio-economic effects in Yukon, specifically with regards to the Klaza caribou herd.
• The project involves technology, that is controversial in Yukon, specifically with regards to the technology proposed in the construction and maintenance of the tailings management facility.

A review by a panel of the board is the highest tier of assessment that can be conducted under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.

The reasons for referral can be found here.

The YESAB Online Registry contains records associated with the Executive Committee’s screening and its decision to refer the project to a review by a panel of the board. The registry also contains the environmental and socio-economic statement guidelines that sets requirements for Casino Mining Corporation’s project proposal submission to a panel.