Media Contacts

Ministry of Environment and Parks

Media Relations
On behalf of the Environmental Assessment Office
250-953-3834

Simpcw First Nation

Media Relations
250-672-9995

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Media Relations
250 893-2028

Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals

Media Relations
250-514-0510

Backgrounders

Consent agreement for proposed Yellowhead copper mine assessments
  • Trekor Metals Limited (formerly Taseko Mines Limited) has proposed the new open-pit copper mine in Simpcwul’ecw (Simpcw Territory), about 150 kilometres northeast of Kamloops, near Vavenby. With a processing capacity of 90,000 tonnes of ore per day, production at Yellowhead would average 81 million kilograms (178 million pounds) of copper per year over 25 years.
  • Simpcw is part of the Secwe̓pemc Nation, and the proposed mine site is fully within Simpcwul’ecw.
  • According to the most recent information from Trekor, if approved and developed, the proposed Yellowhead mine would contribute over $900 million annually to B.C.’s GDP over its 25-year mine life, create 525 direct and 2,445 total jobs in the province and generate a capital investment of approximately $2 billion. The mine would also contribute to B.C.’s growing reputation as one of the world’s largest producers of copper, a critical metal for electrical transmission lines, wind turbines, solar cells and batteries.
  • The consent agreement has been reached under Section 7 of the Declaration Act, which provides a legal mechanism to reflect the collaborative decision-making of the two governments, and Section 7 of the Environmental Assessment Act, which provides the enabling legislation requiring Simpcw consent for the Yellowhead project to proceed.
  • All decision-making under consent agreements must adhere to principles of administrative fairness, transparency and accountability, and are judicially reviewable.
  • Successful negotiation of consent agreements for environmental assessments requires clear identification of the Indigenous governing body most directly affected by the project, a history of constructive working relationships between the First Nation, Province and project proponent, and transparent assessment and decision-making processes.
  • This agreement is not a finding of aboriginal title and does not affect or impact private property rights.
  • The Province has collaboratively assessed two other mining projects under consent agreements, both with Tahltan Central Government.
    • The Eskay Creek project was approved by both governments in January 2026, and is expected to provide about 1,000 jobs during peak construction and more than 770 jobs during peak operations, along with projected capital expenditure of $713 million and approximately $1.2 billion in provincial revenues.
    • The Red Chris mine expansion, approved by both governments in June 2026, is expected to generate more than 1,850 construction jobs, sustain the existing 1,500 jobs into the 2040s and drive several billions of dollars in investment.