John Alton and Moonlight Mining are the winners of the 2019 Robert E. Leckie Awards.

They were announced Nov. 18 at the 47th Annual Geoscience Forum and Trade Show banquet.

The award for responsible and innovative exploration and mining practices was awarded to Alton for going well beyond the required reclamations and promoting regrowth and creek stability, said the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.

This work includes well-constructed and stable water structures, continuous topsoil spreading, contouring, rock armoring and boulder groupings.

“John has shown skill in stream restoration on Hunker Creek by fully restoring a stream channel with his diversions,” the department said.

“When the Department of Fisheries and Oceans assessed the restoration as complete, John returned to the site to monitor and continue stabilizing the diversion to a greater degree than required. He did this to improve the fish habitat as well as the lives of fish.”

The award for excellence in environmental stewardship in placer mining went to Moonlight Mining.

Restoration work completed by Moonlight Mining is on both mined and previously mined but un-reclaimed land.

The company covered its claims, and the previously un-reclaimed areas with a vegetative mat of in situ material.

Moonlight has stabilized hill walls, stockpiled vegetative mats, created ponds and encouraged root growth on the bench claims terrain.

It has also added fresh water ponds, which encourage wildlife and waterfowl, and has contoured sloping to help return the landscape to a more natural state.

“The Government of Yukon values the outstanding work and efforts put forth by both the winners and nominees,” said Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai.

“The reclamation work that Mr. Alton and Moonlight Mining have done speaks volumes to their dedication to sustainable practices and demonstrates the balance that can be achieved between resource development and stewardship of all Yukon lands.”

The Leckie Awards acknowledge companies that have demonstrated excellence in environmental stewardship, outstanding social responsibility, leadership and innovation in mining practices.

The awards are given in honour of Robert (Bob) E. Leckie, a Mayo mining inspector and innovator who was dedicated to the development of progressive land use practices for mining.