Socio-economic Effects Assessment Study for Victoria Gold’s Proposed Eagle Gold Mine Extension Project
The First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun (FNNND) and Victoria Gold (Victoria) are jointly undertaking a Socio-economic Effects Assessment Study (the Study) to evaluate potential impacts of the proposed Eagle Gold Mine Extension Project and to better understand the impacts of the existing operations at the Eagle Gold Mine.
Victoria and the FNNND worked together throughout 2023 to develop the scope of the Study and jointly selected Ausenco Sustainability Inc. as the consultant to undertake the Study.
The Study will look at socio-economic conditions prior to the construction of the Eagle Gold Mine, existing conditions including current effects from the Eagle Gold Mine, and potential future effects of both the ongoing operations and the proposed Extension Project. This study will help Victoria Gold and the FNNND to better understand how the Eagle Gold Mine has adversely affected or benefited socio-economic conditions for the FNNND and other Yukoners, which in turn will inform assessment of potential effects of the proposed Extension Project. The Study will also guide future management and mitigation considerations, as well as ongoing monitoring of potential socio-economic effects. Lastly, this study will help FNNND determine its position on the proposed Extension Project.
To learn more about the current Eagle Gold Mine and the proposed Eagle Gold Extension Project click here.
What is a Socio-economic Assessment?
A Socio-economic Effects Assessment looks at how a proposed project may change local people’s lives and the local economy. For example, this may include looking at the local economy, health and wellbeing, and land use.
Ausenco will begin by understanding things like how many people live in the communities near a proposed project, the jobs and sources of income people have, and what is important to local community members about their way of life including how people used the land prior to the mine. This information is called ‘baseline data’.
The goal is to gain a better understanding of what matters to people in the communities near a proposed project and how these things may change. The things that matter are called Valued Environmental and Socio-economic Components (VESECs). For example, Ausenco will look at land use around the mine site and what the implications are for Mayo and FNNND citizens.
The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) provided Proposed Project Guidelines (PPG) for the proposed Project. The PPG provided a list of preliminary VESECs that may need to be considered as part of the Study.
The preliminary VESECs related to socio-economics include:
- Historic Resources
- Infrastructure Services
- Health and Wellbeing
- Land Use
- Employment and Economy
- Occupational Health and Safety
- First Nation Culture and Way of Life
As part of the Study, Ausenco will be looking to verify the VESECs with FNNND Citizens and Mayo residents and to gather feedback on how individuals view the relationship with Victoria Gold.
The next step is to consider ways to increase benefits and reduce harms – these are called mitigations. This information helps decision-makers (Yukon Government, Government of Canada, and FNNND) get a complete picture of how a project may impact an area’s people and economy, so they can make informed choices about the project and how to manage potential positive and negative impacts.
To learn more about the Study and how it will be undertaken click here.
How Can I Participate in Socio-economic Effects Assessment Study
There are several ways to participate and if you have feedback on the Study we would like to hear from you!
Discussion Groups – April 2024
Ausenco is visiting Mayo residents and Whitehorse in April 2024 to talk to residents and FNNND citizens about the socio-economic aspects of the proposed Eagle Gold Mine Extension Project. The discussion groups will be facilitated by Ausenco. FNNND and VGC will not be in attendance, to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of participants. Ausenco will be conducting discussion groups with
- Elders
- Land Users (i.e., individuals who hunt, fish and trap on the land)
- Women
- LGBTQ2S+
- Youth
- Employees and Ex-employees of VGCs
- Service Providers / Business Owners
- Other potentially impacted individuals
It is important to us that we hear from everyone who wants to be heard. If you want to participate but do not identify as a member of the above groups, let Ausenco know and they will make time to speak with you.
If you want to form your own discussion group (with family members or friends) this can be scheduled.
If you would like to participate in a group discussion or an interview, please contact Ausenco using one of the methods below:
Sign up Form: https://forms.office.com/r/bfDMEus1gE
By Email: VicGoldSocioEcStudy@ausenco.com
Phone: 867-457-5730
Questionnaire
A questionnaire regarding the Eagle Gold Extension Project and Victoria Gold is also being conducted by Ausenco. You can access the survey here.
Feedback Form
Provide comments or feedback related to the Socio-economic Effects Assessment Study using this form: https://forms.office.com/r/ivSDnNMDUq.
Contact Us
For more information about the Study please contact VicGoldSocioEcStudy@ausenco.com.
For more information about the existing Eagle Gold Mine or Victoria Gold, please contact EagleExtension@vgcx.com.