Yukon Geological Survey publication metadata (English, HTML)

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Publisher-reported update

2026-08-26

Placer mining has made significant contributions to both the history and lifestyle of the Yukon and continues to provide a stable non-governmental economic force. This year there are approximately 185 active placer mining operations with a combined reported contribution in excess of $65 million to the Yukon's small resource based economy. Placer gold recovery at many of these operations is not optimized due to a lack of access to current technology, training and testing facilities. Current gold recovery technology is almost exclusively confined to sluice boxes. A limited number of operations additionally employ feeders and screens. Sluice boxes are very simple, reliable, inexpensive, and yield very high concentration ratios. Many factors contribute to improved recoveries with a sluice box including: a) Controlled feed rates at less than 8 loose cubic yards/hr per foot of sluice width; b) screened pay gravels to at least 3/4 of an inch; c) adequate washing and liberation of free gold particles; d) water ratio of 17 Imperial gallons/minute per loose cubic yard of pay gravels/hr; e) use of both expanded metal and Hungarian riffles in every sluice run; f) utilization of a slick plate…

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