BQE Water Inc. (TSXV: BQE) has entered into a contract with the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources of the Yukon Government to provide comprehensive water management solutions at the Minto Mine
The mine is located in central Yukon and on the settlement land of the Selkirk First Nation.
Under the terms of the contract, BQE Water will offer two types of services. The first involves operations services, focusing on the seasonal operation of the existing water treatment plant at Minto Mine. This includes managing the environmental discharge in compliance with the current Water Use License.
The second part of the contract involves technical advisory and engineering services. Here, BQE Water will assist the Yukon Government in assessing potential changes to water management, including modifications to the existing treatment system, aimed at supporting site closure and long-term remediation efforts.
The contract signifies a continuation of collaborative efforts between BQE Water, the Yukon Government, Selkirk First Nation and JDS Mining. These stakeholders have been working together to ensure that treated water is discharged into the environment in accordance with the Water Use License.
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Minto Mine has a history that dates back to the early 2000s and has been the subject of various ownership and operational changes. The mine was initially known for its copper-gold deposits and has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the years.
In May 2023, the mine ceased production, and since then, there has been a heightened focus on environmental protection and sustainable water management. BQE Water designed the water treatment plant at Minto Mine and operated it until 2013. The company became involved again in August 2022, working collaboratively with the Yukon Government, Selkirk First Nation and JDS Mining to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Last June, the Yukon Government announced unpaid royalties for Selkir First Nations and it threatened with reclamation and closure of the mine.
As of May 15, the Yukon government has taken control of the Minto Mine, which is located on Selkirk First Nation territory. The government then hired JDS Mining as a contractor to take over the site, securing critical employees and infrastructure within 24 hours. The mine had around 180 staff and contract employees before Minto Metals Corp. (TSX-V: MNTO)’s decision to cease operations. JDS Mining has approached around 50 staff members with the intent to hire them to continue working on the site. The current priority is on maintaining the pits that store contaminated water.
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“We understand how important safe, transparent and cost-effective clean water production at Minto Mine is for the Yukon and for all project stakeholders,” CEO David Kratochvil said in a statement.
“Since we re-engaged with the project, Minto Metals, the Selkirk First Nation and the Yukon Government have had our commitment to deliver first-rate service no matter the site circumstances. We are also appreciative of the opportunity to work directly with the Yukon Government to continue to deliver on this commitment.”
BQE Water is a Vancouver-based service provider specializing in water treatment and management for metals mining, smelting, and refining. The company has developed unique intellectual property through the commercialization of several new technologies at mine sites globally.
Company stock stayed flat on Friday at $26 on the Canadian Venture Exchange.
