Stop mining within Dawson City limits: activist
At least one activist in Dawson City, Yukon, is renewing calls for governments to stop a placer gold mine from operating within the town's boundaries.
The calls come after town officials say Darrell Carey has twice violated a stop-work order at his Slinky mining claim, located across the Dome Road and adjacent to residential properties.
Carey had first breached the stop-work order in April, when he knocked down some trees and brush on the property without proper authorization from the town.
Officials said Carey went against the order again last week by cleaning up the mess, although they concede the area was posing a fire risk.
"The municipal government here seems unwilling or unable to take the proper steps and go through the proper procedures to stop the activity," said Jim Taggert, a Dawson City resident who speaks out on local environmental issues.
Has territorial permits
"I find that a bit disturbing that activities can take place here, without the approval of the community — and in particular, the local council — and they don't seem to be in a situation or have the protocols available to stop the activity," Taggert added.
Carey told CBC News he has a mining permit and a water licence from the Yukon government, and therefore he should be able to begin his placer mining operation at the Slinky property.
But Taggert said those licences have undercut Dawson City's authority, noting that the Yukon government has removed a recommendation from the water licence that would have required Carey to comply with municipal legislation.
"Seems that [the] Yukon government has decided that the right to mine and having an active mining permit and water license gives that proponent the powers to operate, irrespective of the needs or the desires of the community," Taggert said.
Taggert said the government must make it clear to miners that they should not operate inside communities.
Carey said he has invested too much money into his Slinky property to walk away now, but Taggert said it should be Carey's own fault for buying a mining claim in the middle of a residential neighbourhood.