Multiple mining companies operating in the Northwest Territories have been forced to stop production and evacuate properties near wildfires.
The broader region is under threat from over 265 active fires, endangering various towns and cities. The directive for civilians to evacuate was issued by the minister of municipal and community affairs on Wednesday. This mandate has compelled residents of Yellowknife and Ingraham Trail, along with those in the First Nations communities of N’Dilo and Dettah, to vacate their homes and businesses.
Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSXV: YGT)(Frankfurt:TX0)(OTCQX:YGTFF) confirmed on Friday that its Yellowknife drill program has been suspended because of the evacuation order. The company decided to cease drilling activities on Wednesday until further notice. All of the company’s and contractor’s employees have been evacuated.
“Safety first for all employees and Yellowknife residents for the time being, as we wish Yellowknife residents a safe evacuation and hopefully lots of rain in the near future,” said Gerald Panneton, chairman and CEO.
Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. (CSE: SXTY) (FKT: 2F4) (OTC-Pink: SXNTF) also reported on Friday that its CEO Dave Webb visited the company’s Mon Property on August 11, 2023, as the fire approached to within three kilometers of the camp.
The camp has been evacuated, including the watchman who relocated to a nearby island camp on Sito Lake and has now been evacuated to Yellowknife.
A satellite image dated August 15, 2023, reveals that the ZF012-23 fire has passed through the Mon camp. The company has informed its insurance provider about the potential claim. Due to states of emergency being declared in Yellowknife and the NWT, and the presence of other pressing priorities for aircraft, it is currently not feasible to visit the Mon Project to assess any potential damage.
Satellite image of Mon Property. Fire is red, burned areas are browner and lakes are black. Image via Sixty North Gold
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Anglo American and Rio Tinto provide relief
The Anglo American (LSE: AAL) unit working with the De Beers Group said on Thursday it was helping employees at its Gahcho Kué diamond mine with families effected by the wildfires. Gahcho Kué is co-owned by Mountain Province Diamonds (TSX: MPVD) and De Beers Canada, and is located at Kennady Lake, which is approximately 280 km northeast of Yellowknife.
“The Gahcho Kué team is working with the mine’s Yellowknife resident employees to support those who wish to travel to Yellowknife to assist their families in evacuating the city,” De Beers said.
The Diavik Diamond Mine, owned by gold mining giant Rio Tinto Group (ASX: RIO) (NYSE: RIO) (LSE: RIO), committed $250,000 to the United Way NWT to support the organization’s emergency evacuation efforts. The donation comes at the behest of the Rio Tinto Disaster Relief Fund, which will directly help registered charities with crisis requirements like food, fuel and other needs.
Meanwhile, Nighthawk Gold Corp. (TSX: NHK) (OTCQX: MIMZF) reports that its Colomac Gold Camp remains both secured and unaffected by the wildfires presently impacting the NWT. The company completed exploration drilling in mid-July and the camp closed for the upcoming fall and winter season.
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