B.C. government approves Red Chris mine expansion project

The British Columbia government has officially approved the expansion of the Red Chris mine, a significant copper and gold operation located south of Dease Lake. This decision is anticipated to bring substantial economic benefits and job creation to the region, particularly for the Tahltan Nation.

Premier David Eby highlighted the project's significance, stating, “The Red Chris expansion highlights how partnership agreements with First Nations and a predictable process are creating the certainty needed to move major projects in British Columbia forward.” He added that this confidence is driving private-sector investment, creating jobs, and funding public services.

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The Red Chris expansion highlights how partnership agreements with First Nations and a predictable process are creating the certainty needed to move major projects in British Columbia forward.

The expansion will see the mine shift from open-pit to block-cave underground mining. This transition is projected to increase ore processing capacity to 15 million tonnes annually and extend the mine's operational life through 2038. The project is estimated to cost several billion dollars and is expected to generate around 1,800 jobs during its peak construction phase.

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That confidence is driving historic private-sector investment in B.C. that is creating good job opportunities and family-supporting jobs, and the funding needed to deliver strong public services for people across the province.

Kerry Carlick, president of the Tahltan Central Government, emphasized the success of the partnership. “Today’s announcement provides a clear answer. The approval of the Red Chris Block Cave Project, developed in partnership with the Tahltan Nation, the Province, and Newmont, the world’s largest gold producer, shows that meaningful Indigenous involvement creates certainty, strengthens projects and delivers benefits that are shared by all British Columbians,” she said.

This approval comes after a previous incident last July where three miners were trapped underground for two-and-a-half days before being rescued. The miners were in a refuge area equipped to sustain them for 48 hours.

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Some have questioned whether recognizing Indigenous rights would make it harder to advance major projects in British Columbia. Today’s announcement provides a clear answer. The approval of the Red Chris Block Cave Project, developed in partnership with the Tahltan Nation, the Province, and Newmont, the world’s largest gold producer, shows that meaningful Indigenous involvement creates certainty, strengthens projects and delivers benefits that are shared by all British Columbians.