Victoria Gold (TSX: VGCX) has begun to see an increase in cyanide levels from samples collected downstream of the collapse of its heap leach facility at its Eagle Gold Mine in the Yukon.
The company this morning indicated that it has now detected elevated cyanide levels in 7 of 134 samples collected downstream of the mine within the Haggart Creek. Previously, the company had indicated elevated levels occurred in just a single sample.
Cyanide levels detected range from concentrations of 5.2 to 9.3 parts per billion WAD cyanide. The current water use license for the mine requires that cyanide levels remain below 5 ppb cyanide. The company, in an effort to save face, meanwhile noted that the guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality has established maximum acceptable concentrations of 200 ppb free cyanide.
READ: Victoria Gold Mine Collapse Causes Pause In Mining And Exploration In Entire Region
Victoria Gold has also stated that it is focusing presently on the expedited construction of additional lined water storage on site to supplement pre-existing storage capacity, while the company at the same time will begin irrigating unimpacted areas of the heap leach facility with contact water to assist in discharge capacity at site. Tanks have also been added on site, while a reverse osmosis system has been also installed in an effort to assist in treatment of water.
A root cause analysis for the collapse meanwhile remains ongoing.
Victoria Gold last traded at $0.59 on the TSX.
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