WorldWide Drilling Resource

Yukon Government Assists Exploration Efforts Adapted from a News Release by the Yukon Government The Yukon government announced it is taking steps to help create jobs for those in the mining sector by creating incentives for exploration, supporting industry organiza- tions, and working toward improved access. The Canadian Territory has exceptional potential for resource development and some of the prime mineral areas need an improved transportation network to give better access for exploration and development. The government is providing funding to the Yukon Chamber of Mines towards the implementation of the organization’s communications plan, costing approximately $450,000 over the next three years. “This funding will assist the chamber to continue advancing the interests of the Yukon mining industry and ensure the organization remains a partner and conduit for mining interests throughout Yukon,” Minister of Economic Development Stacey Hassard said. “We are happy to contribute $150,000 for the 2016/17 year, and are committed to providing additional support in the future.” According to Minister of Energy, Mines, and Resources Scott Kent, “We are also planning to again issue double assessment credits for claimholders. We have heard from First Nations with respect to how the credits apply to settlement land, and we will work with First Nations to determine how to best address their concerns.” The government is also assisting the mineral exploration industry by continuing its funding commitment of $1.4 million for the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program, managed by the Yukon Geological Survey. “The 2015 projects resulted in numerous new discoveries that I expect we will hear more about in future, including new discoveries at the STU project, Kate project, WELS Gold, and SE Yukon nephrite project,” Kent added. The government also announced it will providing support to the Yukon Mining Alliance for a $1 million mining attraction initiative to be undertaken over the next three years. The government committed up to $300,000 annually over the next three years toward this initiative. The Yukon Mining Alliance will be contributing an additional $33,500 per year annually, and in consultation with the Government of Yukon, will design, deliver, and manage the promotion and advertising of a series of events from 2016 to 2019. Photo of the eastern view over Back Creek in the Mount Nansen mining district courtesy of Yukon Geological Survey. 21 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® MAY 2016