The Yukon government says tests around the gold mine, where a containment facility failed, spilling millions of tonnes of cyanide-laced rock, found increased levels of mercury, cobalt and cyanide.

The territory says in a news release updating the failure of the Eagle Gold mine’s heap leach facility that increasing levels were found in Haggart Creek near the mine site, but that is not the type of mercury that accumulates in fish and wildlife.

It says the contaminants found in the creek currently do not pose an increased health risk to residents or those who use the land and water downstream of the mining site.

The update says the receiver appointed to manage the mine’s owner, Victoria Gold Corp., is in the process of returning personal belongings to employees left behind after the mine closed.

It says the receiver also expanded claims to the federal Paycheck Protection Plan, allowing laid-off employees to claim up to $8,500 in lost wages.

The release said a safety berm around the slide area is nearing completion and work is underway to construct a groundwater interception fence that will allow water capture and treatment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 25, 2024.