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This talk was presented November 22, 2022, at the Yukon Geoscience Forum.

Mining is expected to remain as Yukon's most important industry during the next 5-10 years. The future prosperity of the mining industry in Yukon depends on the discovery of new mineral deposits. These new discoveries will depend on up to date geoscientific research: geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and mineral deposit studies. Government and First Nations also need the results of this research to evaluate mineral potential and assist with land use planning and environmental impact assessments. With this in mind, the Geological Survey of Canada, Northern Affairs Program (DIAND), Government of Yukon and the Yukon Chamber of Mines collaborated on a 2-day workshop in April, 1995, to identify and prioritize Yukon's Geoscience requirements for the next 5 to 10 years. This document summarizes the results of the workshop. It represents a consensus between the four sponsoring agencies, based on input from 34 geoscientists currently working in Yukon, and will be used in planning geoscientific research to ensure that priorities are met and that maximum value is obtained from available funding.

The Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) had a busy year in 2019, welcoming seven new staff and initiating several new projects. In addition to its regular activities, the survey hosted a planning workshop with clients and stakeholders in April to identify gaps in Yukon’s geoscience knowledge base and engage participants in a discussion about their current and future information needs. The YGS holds these workshops every five years, and they are valuable for providing insights into research and exploration trends, generating ideas for new projects, and identifying opportunities for collaborative partnerships. As a backdrop for these discussions, participants were asked to consider how existing and emerging markets, climate change, societal needs and new technologies might influence how the YGS collects, manages and disseminates information. This paper provides both a brief overview of 2019 program activities and a summary of what was heard at the April planning workshop. Workshop discussions covered a broad range of topics and included both specific project ideas as well as general themes. The YGS has already initiated some of the projects that were proposed in April. The paper is organized based on the thematic breakout sessions at the workshop; current activities underway under each of the themes are presented first, followed by a summary of the input heard at the workshop.

A regional till geochemistry project was completed in conjunction with bedrock mapping across rocks of Yukon-Tanana Terrane and North American affinity in central Yukon. The high mineral potential of the area is based on recent discoveries in the Finlayson Lake area to the southeast, an area thought to juxtapose the Glenlyon area prior to displacement on the Tintina Fault. The study area lies at the limit of the Late Wisconsinan McConnell glaciation. Ice flow was largely directed by topography. Soil profiles reveal a veneer of White River ash and loess over most till deposits. Geochemical results from 285 till samples highlight new anomalies in gold, gold/arsenic (intrusive- and fault-related), copper (veins), copper/nickel (ultramafic rocks) and zinc (sedimentary-exhalative (SEDEX) and epithermal). An orientation survey was completed at the Clear Lake SEDEX deposit to evaluate the extent of glacial dispersion down-ice from mineralization.

This is the third in a series of five-year planning documents that have guided government geoscience in Yukon over the last ten years. It presents a broad set of needs and priorities for Yukon geoscience for the next five years, but is not a business or work plan. Although developed primarily from the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) perspective, the Geological Survey of Canada and universities will help to meet these needs either independently or through partnerships with the YGS. It was developed during the spring, summer of 2004 as an internal draft that was later modified and refined through consultation with the Geological Survey of Canada and the Technical Liaison Committee to the YGS. Over the last five years, the need for geoscience information has grown and spread to a wider and wider audience. Geoscience is utilized primarily by the mining and petroleum sectors to support exploration for minerals and hydrocarbons, but it is increasingly playing a role in other industries such as forestry, fisheries and tourism. In all of these industries it is playing a role in their development and management. Decisions related to the utilization of natural resources are increasingly being made or influenced by many groups including developers, land managers planners, regulators, First Nations, and the general public. Their decisions need to be formed with accurate information about the nature and potential of resources, and the best practices in mitigating and preventing environmental damage. This volume includes sections on: bedrock mapping, mineral deposit studies, mineral assessments, regional geochemical and geophysical surveys, subsurface geology, energy/hydrocarbons, surficial geology and placer deposits, information management and outreach.

Geoscience, which is the study of Earth systems, is complex and highly dynamic. It examines the interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere – all of which are critical to sustaining our planet (AGI, 2012). The Yukon Geological Survey’s mandate is to provide objective geological information to Yukon government, Yukon First Nations and the general public. This information underpins geoscience-related policy and investment decisions in the territory, and adds value to Yukon’s geoscience knowledge base. With a staff of more than 15 geoscientists, the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) conducts a wide variety activities from traditional bedrock and surficial mapping, to focused studies such as community hazards mapping (e.g., monitoring landslides and thawing permafrost), and mineral assessments, among others. As a government organization, it is our duty to not only engage with First Nations and other governments, but to also educate all citizens of the Yukon about the importance of geoscience in order to help society find and manage our natural resources for the present and future (Geoscientists Canada, 2018). YGS recognizes the importance of having a geoscientist on staff who is dedicated to outreach and education. Communicating geoscience effectively, and educating Yukoners on how Earth systems work will help them to make informed judgements that affect our territory, as well as our planet (AGI, 2011). Despite the ongoing pandemic, YGS remained very active in public outreach and education; this paper provides a summary of activities for 2021.

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The Yukon Geological Survey (YGS), a branch within the Government of Yukon, is dedicated to advancing our understanding of Yukon’s geology and disseminating this knowledge to various stakeholders, including other government departments, First Nations governments, private companies and the public. The YGS team conducts research across a range of Earth science fields including surficial and bedrock geology mapping, mineral assessments, permafrost and landslide monitoring, geotechnical monitoring along highway corridors, and geothermal research. This research generates data essential for understanding Yukon’s environment and addressing challenges. A foundational understanding of Earth science is essential for government partners, First Nations and the public to fully benefit from YGS’ findings. The YGS supports informed decision-making, responsible land stewardship, and economic development by making geoscience knowledge accessible. Outreach serves as a bridge between research and real-world application, ensuring that YGS’s research is not only shared but also understood by end users. The YGS seeks to inspire and engage with Yukoners by demonstrating how Earth science is both fascinating and relevant to daily life. The YGS helps individuals make informed decisions about the Yukon’s land and resources by sparking curiosity and building an understanding of Earth science. The YGS prioritizes outreach efforts by fostering collaboration with First Nations, supporting educators with curriculum-aligned resources, and encouraging public engagement with Earth science. This overview highlights YGS’ outreach initiatives and achievements throughout 2024.