May 21, 2025
KPMA Announces Strategic Pause in Engagements with Yukon Government Following Leadership Changes
[Dawson City, Yukon] — At its annual Spring meeting on May 16, the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association (KPMA) announced a significant shift in its approach to engagement with the Yukon Government, including a pause in all high-level discussions.
This decision follows the territorial government’s long-standing unwillingness to address bureaucratic delays in the issuance of placer mining licenses, including their renewals, and has resulted in the resignation of Brooke Rudolph, a long-time advocate for the industry, whose departure is a significant loss to the association and its members.
In her heartfelt resignation speech, Rudolph highlighted critical challenges facing the industry: “permitting, environmental assessment and water licensing delays; polygon expansion; inconsistent inspections; and too many regulatory and policy changes implemented all at once are killing it…For the industry to survive, decisive action [by government] needs to happen, now.”
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. I am doing something different,” added Rudolph, while expressing her profound commitment to the placer industry. “I have been working in the industry in varying capacities since 2007…Placer mining is something I believe in. It is a simple process, washing gravels with water to access the mineral deposits without chemicals. This family-based industry is one of the few economic drivers besides government in the territory…Despite all of these wonderful things, without government action and public support, the placer industry is about to become the new disaster.”
“We are in a critical fight for our survival, and the ways we’ve been engaging with the Yukon Government have not led to the results we need,” said Will Fellers, KPMA President. “As Brooke and our members have indicated, the current system is broken. We believe this pause will allow the Yukon Government to take the necessary steps to address these pressing issues.”
The KPMA recognizes the urgent need to prioritize relationships that are critical to its membership. As the association pauses its high-level engagements with the Yukon Government, it will continue to prioritize working with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH) and other Indigenous governments and groups as capacity allows.
Fellers added that “the KPMA remains committed to educating the public about placer mining and its importance to our communities.” The KPMA will continue efforts to help Yukoners understand the value of this placer mining to the territory. The KPMA will also be available to discuss urgent matters with Yukon Government on behalf of members on a case-by-case basis as capacity permits.
The KPMA also voted to not throw a barbeque this year because “when members can’t get licenses, what is there to celebrate?” It would have been the 51st annual barbecue, and the membership agreed that this is not a time to party, but rather to try and involve the public more in the placer industry’s challenges.
Rudolph, in her resignation address, urged those who resonate with her experiences to take mindful actions: “Lead by being an example of accountability and positive change.” She leaves the industry with a call to action: “I hope the hole that I make in leaving the industry I love will create space for positive change. There are champions here. I look forward to cheering you on with sincere hope.”
The KPMA encourages all members, miners, business and individuals that are in support of this critical industry to add your voice and write a letter of support. Copy kpma@kpma.ca and visit the KPMA’s website, kpma.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Amanda Leslie
Mosaic Communications for the KPMA
867.334.4770