This is a joint news release with Golden Predator Mining Corp.

The Yukon government and Golden Predator Mining Corp. have created a Brewery Creek Mine project co-ordination committee.

The committee comprises representatives from Golden Predator, the territorial mineral resources branch and the government’s Major Projects Yukon, which will provide secretariat functions for the committee.

The committee had its first meeting during January’s Mineral Exploration Roundup Mining Conference in Vancouver.

The committee will enhance communications with respect to the development and production plans for the Brewery Creek project, located near Dawson City.

The committee will “share and exchange information pertaining to the Brewery Creek Mine project in a frank and timely manner,” the government and company said in a joint statement.

The committee is meant to help the parties make informed decisions that fall within their respective roles and jurisdiction for the project.

“The Government of Yukon supports and encourages responsible development,” Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai said earlier this month.

“Establishing this committee is aimed at ensuring an environmentally and socially responsible operation. Improving the flow of information between the regulator and the company will improve the process and make it more efficient.”

The Brewery Creek Mine is a brownfield heap leach gold mine, or an operation that uses chemicals on piles of ore to leach and retrieve dissolved minerals on ground that has been previously worked.

Located 55 kilometres east of Dawson, it operates with a socio-economic accord with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. 

“Canada’s Yukon is a premier jurisdiction that has an amazing future capable of realizing on the potential for local wealth creation, employment, training, tax revenue and business development to Yukon communities from mining activities,” Janet Lee-Sheriff, Golden Predator’s CEO.

“I am proud to be working with progressive colleagues as we seek the restart of the Brewery Creek Mine, placed in temporary closure in 2002 awaiting the right time to restart activities.

“The Yukon often seeks innovative solutions and continues to illustrate its dedication to working together on this project and with the mineral sector in the Yukon.”

The gold exploration company has two main projects in Yukon: Brewery Creek and 3 Aces. It’s a junior mining company that also owns the Yukon Mint and works with First Nation artists to create gold coin designs with proceeds assisting the artist’s community.

The accord between Golden Predator and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation was developed to build on their working relationship, foster successful social and economic development for Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation government and citizens.

At the same time, the parties are trying to ensure successful environmental screening, licensing and permitting, financing and construction and operation of the Brewery Creek project.

Between 1996 and 2002, Viceroy Minerals Corp. operated the mine. Golden Predator took ownership in 2009.