By Maddi Griebling
The Yukon Territory in northwest Canada is scarcely populated, filled with wilderness, flows with mountains, and is one of the most active jurisdictions for mineral exploration and mining. The Yukon has world-class mineral deposits with 2,700 known mineral occurrences and more than 80 mineral deposits with established reserves, some of which are the largest known in the world. Additionally, the territory has well-developed infrastructure, including more than 4,800 kilometres of all-weather roads, numerous airports, clean energy, Internet and cell phone service throughout the territory.
This connectivity provides ample opportunities for companies operating in the Yukon to share updates and information online to their social media communities and shareholders. Here are five junior mining companies in the Yukon we find to have a great presence on Twitter.
Alexco Resource Corp. @alexcoresource
Alexco Resource Corp. owns the Keno Hill Silver District in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Over the last 10 years Alexco has discovered and documented 68 million ounces of silver in Indicated resources and 18 million ounces in Inferred resources. Alexco is committed to its contributions to the economy, the environment, and the communities in and around the Keno Hill Silver District.
Alexco’s Bellekeno mine began production in 2011. It has produced two million ounces of silver and 20 million pounds of lead and zinc concentrate each year while in operation until it closed in September 2013. The mine is in consideration to reopen. It is production ready, fully permitted, and undergoing upgrades and improvements to prepare for the continuation of production.
In 2013, Alexco announced its new Flame & Moth project. In March 2017 an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment reported the Indicated Mineral Resource of 498 g/t containing 26.8 Moz-ag and the Inferred Mineral Resources of 4.1 Mt of 365 g/t. As of right now the mine is fully permitted, awaiting pending production decision, and a development decline is scheduled to being in Q2 2018.
Alexco is involved with the Yukon Territory, retweeting about events hosted by different Yukon groups. On Twitter they also highlight Alexco’s foundation remains unchanged and as they continue to progress the company.
White Gold Corp. @WhiteGoldCorp
White Gold Corp. is the largest land holder in the White Gold District of Yukon with approximately 40% of the district. White Gold Corp. owns a portfolio of 19,438 quartz across 30 properties over 390,000 hectares. They also take on more advanced exploration projects including the flagship White Gold property, with a mineral resource of 961k Indicated and 282.5k Inferred ounces of gold. White Gold Corp’s highly experienced management and technical team has previously been involved with multiple discoveries in the White Gold District.
On Twitter, White Gold Corp. provides updates about using innovative technology. They post links to news on their website, and any other important information related to their projects and the industry. On April 3rd White Gold Corp. began trading in the United States under Nasdaq International Designation. By trading in Nasdaq it provides greater visibility which allows for greater access to US investors. On March 22nd, it was announced that White Gold Corp. discovered multiple high-priority targets using the company’s innovative exploration methods.
“Social Media provides a great platform to highlight the Yukon and bring attention to the White Gold District. Our goal through social media is to share our unique story and educate people about the key differentiating factors we possess as a Canadian exploration Junior. White Gold Corp holds the largest land package in the district with many highly prospective targets and a proven management team. In tangent with a strong social media presence we are able to develop brand awareness and help put the district on the map for international investors,” says Harrison Braden of White Gold Corp.
Fireweed Zinc @FireweedZinc
Fireweed Zinc’s Macmillan Pass Project was said to be one of the world’s most significant zinc resources by the Mineral Resource Estimate in January of 2018. The Macmillan Pass Project includes the large zinc-lead-silver deposits known as Tom and Jason. The property is reachable by gravel road or by air through the airstrip located on the property.
Fireweed Zinc’s goal is to use Macmillan Pass Project to become a leading metal development and production company to create value for their shareholders.
Fireweed Zinc is active on Twitter. They recently posted about their Preliminary Economic Assessment on the MacMillan Pass Project. They also are celebrating their one year IPO and posting about the success they have had in the past year along with what is to come. They make sure their followers are updated on recent events or announcements.
Clear Creek Digital previously spoke with Fireweed’s CEO, Brandon MacDonald, about their use of social media and its importance to the industry. Twitter and other social networks are an important tool for the company to share their story.
StrikePoint Gold Inc @StrikepointGold
StrikePoint Gold explores North America to discover large footprint ore deposits of gold, silver, or copper. StrikePoint is committed to using exploration methods in a cost-effective way, to maximize the early evaluation of the potential deposits. Technology is an important way for StrikePoint to explore the possible deposits. LiDAR and satellite remote sensing are two techniques used. The management team has proven to be successful in the past through previous companies that developed gold deposits.
Strikepoint was engaged on Twitter in 2017, throughout their exploration season. They posted pictures of geologists in the field finding new places to drill. They also gave updates of the active mine and how much it produced. The most recent Twitter posts were results from the Pluto mine.
ATAC Resources LTD @ATAC_Resources
ATAC Resources Ltd. discovered Canada’s only Carlin-type gold district across its 1700 sq. km Rackla Gold Property in the mining-friendly Yukon. The company is developing the strategic land package under an exploration partnership with the world’s largest gold producer, Barrick Gold Corporation.
The Rackla Gold Property is comprised of three projects: the 100%-owned Osiris Project, which hosts the advanced Conrad, Osiris, Sunrise and Ibis Carlin-type gold zones; the 100%-owned Rau Project, which hosts the Tiger Gold Deposit; and, the Orion Project, which is a large early-stage exploration land package that is subject to a $55 million earn-in agreement with Barrick.
The company recently received a positive joint Decision Document from the Yukon Government (YG) and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (NND) for a 65-km, all-season road to the property. It intends to continue aggressive exploration activities alongside Barrick in 2018.
Recent near-surface drill highlights include 12.5m of 20.78 grams gold per tonne at ATAC’s Conrad zone in hole OS-17-238.
"We're excited to join a very robust Yukon Twitter community. The ability to engage with local communities, local business, and territorial government has probably been the biggest benefit," commented Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Matthew Keevil. "The platform also creates more agile and dynamic dialogue with media, capital markets, and the broader public compared to traditional press releases."
