Nearly two years have passed since the initial report of a leak at the Wolverine mine tailings facility in the Yukon, and efforts to locate and repair it have been unsuccessful. The mine, which was previously a zinc mine, lies between Ross River and Watson Lake and has been inactive since 2015.
Ryan Hennessey, a representative from the Yukon government’s assessment and abandoned mines branch, explained that the challenge lies in the leak being situated beneath the tailings. Technical complications have hindered attempts to lower water levels to access the leak. Despite constructing a water treatment plant on-site, it has not operated as effectively as anticipated, exacerbated by elevated precipitation levels increasing water accumulation at the facility.
Chief Dylan Loblaw of the Ross River Dena Council expressed concerns over the prolonged unresolved situation, questioning the extent of contaminated water seeping into the environment before corrective actions are taken. The history of the mine includes tragic incidents, such as the deaths of Paul Wentzell and Will Fisher during construction, leading to safety violations and fines for the Yukon Zinc Corporation.
Efforts have been made to manage water differently to ensure proper treatment before discharge. The government is committed to rectifying the damage to the tailings liner and has contained the leak since 2025. However, concerns remain regarding the environmental impacts and the necessity for meaningful involvement of the Ross River Dena community in the site’s closure and restoration plans.
Hennessey emphasized the importance of consulting with First Nations to develop a reclamation strategy that restores the land to its original state. Despite the challenges faced, addressing and resolving the leak remains a top priority for the government.