The Sedex Deposits of Selwyn Basin: A summary analysis of infrastructure, environmental and social issues that must be addressed for the successful development of a world-class metallogenic belt.

2006

Forest Pearson, Jesse Duke,

The Sedex deposits of the Selwyn Basin represent one of the world’s largest undeveloped zinc-lead districts. As demand for these commodities strengthens, and exploration continues to build resources in this district, there is increased focus on the factors necessary to develop these resources successfully. This paper will examine these factors, including transportation and port facilities, energy requirements, environmental challenges and socio-economic realities. Based upon existing geological information, deposit descriptions and assessments of mineral potential, it will present an overview discussion of how commodity pricing and proposed new infrastructure developments could impact the production potential of resources in the district. It will also identify the critical environmental and socio-economic issues that will require to be addressed before new mines could be built to extract these resources.

Keywords: Mining, Selwyn Basin, SEDEX, Yukon