Giant Mine site in Yellowknife to see new developments

The Giant Mine Remediation Project team shared updates at a Yellowknife city meeting on Monday. They outlined upcoming changes at the contaminated Giant Mine site. Remediation began in 2021 and will continue until 2038. The project aims to manage 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide waste and remove old buildings. This year, the mill at the site will be demolished. Natalie Plato, the project’s deputy director, said a contract for this work has been awarded. Demolition of remaining buildings will extend into 2026. The team is also making progress on a new water treatment plant. The exterior is complete, and interior work is ongoing. The plant should be operational by 2026. Currently, contaminated water is stored in the northwest pond before treatment. A report highlighted the risk of a spill from this pond contaminating Yellowknife Bay. Next year, pumping water into the pond will stop once the new plant is ready. Plato said the plant will operate year-round until it is no longer needed. City councillors asked about specific spill risks, and Plato agreed to provide more details. A new boat launch is planned to open by 2031. This new facility will allow public access while the remediation takes place. Erica Nyyssonen from the project team said the existing boat launch will remain until 2029. After that, construction on the new launch will begin. Nyyssonen acknowledged that changes might raise questions from the community. She is coordinating with government departments to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. The schedule for the new boat launch may change, and access to the existing launch will be limited once work begins.