Natural Resources of the Yukon Territory

The Yukon's economy is resource-driven. Key assets:

Minerals

• Gold (historic & active), silver, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten.

Forests

• Softwoods: spruce, pine, fir.
• Hardwoods: birch, poplar.

Water

• Major rivers: Yukon, Peel, Porcupine.
• Lakes: Kluane, Bennett, Tagish.
• Glaciers: vast ice fields (St. Elias Mountains).

Fish & Wildlife

• Salmon, trout, Arctic grayling.
• Caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, grizzly bears.

Energy

• Oil & gas (modest, Eagle Plains basin).
• Coal (anthracite, bituminous).
• Renewables: hydro (major), wind, solar potential.

Mining, tourism, and government services dominate the economy. Sustainable management is a territorial priority.