Yukon, First Nations release mineral development report ahead of mining act update April 19, 2021
The rights of Indigenous peoples is at the heart of the Yukon Mineral Development Report prepared by an independent committee of government and First Nations representatives. The report was prepared by the Mineral Development Strategy (MDS) Panel after extensive engagement with the government, First Nations and the public.
Released on Apr. 15, the MDS will provide the framework with which to update the Quartz and Placer mining acts in the territory. The Strategy also includes streamlining land use planning and creating a more equitable royalty structure.
The MDS report lays out a collaborative and place-based method of resource development in a way that benefits all Yukoners and supports a robust, balanced mining industry. The vision behind it respects First Nations values, modern treaties, environmental legacies, the need for social licence, and more. As
It calls for rewriting both the Quartz Mining Act and the Yukon Placer Mining Act.
The strategy recommends a much greater role in oversight of the industry by Yukon First Nations, and greater procurement opportunities for First Nations. It recommends greater opportunities for First Nations to gain equity in mining projects.
It suggests an overhaul of the collection resource revenue royalties.
The strategy recommends the promotion of mining in the territory be transferred from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to Economic Development to eliminate any perception of conflict of interest.
It recommends greater efforts in the classroom to educate Yukoners on the benefits of mining, to offset the negative legacies left behind by the industry in the past.