Canada and U.S. Department of Defence invest $22M in the Yukon’s Mactung mine

The United States military is looking towards Yukon tungsten as a potential component in their arsenal of missiles, bombs, and bullets. This valuable resource is found in the Mactung mine, located on the border between the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, on the traditional lands of the Kaska and the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun.

Both Canada and the U.S. have announced investments in pre-development activities at the Mactung mine, known for having one of the largest tungsten deposits globally. The funding, totaling $35 million, will go towards infrastructure improvements such as road construction, transmission line upgrades, and feasibility studies.

Fireweed Metals, the company that now owns the Mactung mine, acquired it from the Northwest Territories government in 2022. This acquisition also includes the adjacent Macpass project, which Fireweed Metals has been exploring since 2017. CEO Peter Hemstead highlighted the strategic importance of the Mactung mine due to its proximity to the Macpass asset and the global demand for tungsten.

Tungsten’s unique properties, including its density, hardness, and heat-resistance, make it a crucial element in military applications. The United States, in particular, has expressed concerns about relying on China, the largest tungsten producer globally, for this essential resource. Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale from the U.S. Department of Defense emphasized the importance of securing a North American supply of tungsten to mitigate national security risks.

However, the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun has raised ethical and environmental concerns about the Mactung project. They have expressed moral opposition to weapons production and emphasized the need to operate in line with disarmament objectives outlined by the UN Disarmament Commission. Additionally, they have highlighted environmental risks associated with tungsten mining, such as excessive water consumption and threats to biodiversity.

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai and N.W.T. Minister Caitlin Cleveland have both voiced their support for the Mactung project, citing its economic benefits, job creation opportunities, and potential to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities and international allies. Despite this enthusiasm, Kaska Dena leadership and the federal government have not provided comments on the project.

Overall, the Mactung mine represents a significant opportunity for economic development in the North, while also raising important ethical and environmental considerations that must be addressed as the project moves forward.