Mineral Resources Act amendments
Yukon's Bill 4 (Mineral Resources Act amendments) is the Yukon Liberal-NDP confidence-and-supply government's 2024 reform of the territorial mining regulatory framework. Updates the Quartz Mining Act (R.S.Y. 2002, c. 182) and the Placer Mining Act (R.S.Y. 2002, c. 173) to align with the Council of Yukon First Nations agreed-upon reforms following the 2023 First Nations of Yukon Resource Sharing Agreement. Establishes the new Yukon Mining Compliance Office, increases reclamation-bond requirements (from approximately $10,000 per claim to $50,000 per claim minimum), and requires Heritage Resource Impact Assessment as a precondition of exploration permits in Yukon First Nations Traditional Territories.
Status
Quick learn
Responds to the 2024 Victoria Gold heap-leach failure in central Yukon. Tightens mineral-claim staking rules, raises bond requirements for new mines, and adds First Nation consent provisions for projects on traditional territory.
Issues this bill touches
- Climate & Environment
Updates Yukon's Mineral Resources Act with stronger environmental review and Indigenous-consultation requirements.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - In committee
Reviewed clause by clause by a standing committee; amendments possible.
View source
Sponsored by
Ranj PillaiYT LIBERALOfficial source
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