Heap-leach mining catastrophe in Yukon among the two most disastrous ever: expert's assessment
The collapse of the Eagle Gold Mine in Yukon, Canada, on June 24, 2024, marked one of the most significant disasters in the 45-year history of heap-leaching mining. The disaster, which led to the contamination of a local creek and groundwater in central Yukon, was caused by a combination of factors, according to a report by an independent review board.
Mark Smith, a member of the board, stated that the spill of two million tonnes of cyanide-soaked ore was one of the two most catastrophic failures in the industry's history. The mine, located about 85 kilometres north of Mayo, has not operated since the collapse.
The review board's report, authored by Brenna Owen, contains 50 recommendations. The report, which was first published by The Canadian Press on July 8, 2025, highlights several underlying causes for the disaster, including the poor quality of ore, an "over-steepened" slope, and a rising water table at the facility.
The board found that the facility had "almost no surveillance," something that's "far too common" at heap-leach facilities. Smith suggests that the cost burden for the Eagle Gold failure could fund all of the recommendations on every mining project proposed in the Yukon.
Key recommendations from the report include improved geomechanical assessments, enhanced drainage systems, and more effective management of ore quality variability. The board also emphasized the need for stricter regulations and improved industry practices to prevent such disasters.
Smith, who has been receiving calls "as often as daily" from other mining companies after the disaster, hopes that the board's findings and recommendations will extend beyond the territory, steering the industry towards better practices that lower the risks of failures. Smith states that none of the recommendations in the report are "particularly expensive."
The Eagle Gold Mine disaster, along with another recent incident in Turkey, is expected to significantly influence heap-leach practices for the next decade or more. These incidents are likely to lead to stricter safety standards, improved regulatory oversight, advancements in technology and monitoring, and increased focus on environmental responsibility.
These developments are expected to enhance the safety and sustainability of heap-leach mining globally, ensuring a more secure future for the industry and the communities that depend on it.
Science and finance could both play significant roles in mitigating similar disasters in the future. The science community might focus on improving geomechanical assessments, drainage systems, and managing ore quality variability, while financial considerations could highlight the reasonable cost of implementing these recommendations.
