Mining and Critical Minerals
Summary
- Expansion of the Red Chris mine approved following joint decision-making under streamlined regulatory process
- The priority project will create approximately 1,800 jobs during peak construction, protect the existing 1,500 permanent jobs and increase ore processing to as much as 15 million tonnes per year
- It is the second assessment conducted under a Section 7 agreement with Tahltan Central Government
- The mining will move from open pit to underground, improving production and extending operations into the 2040s
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Approval of the Red Chris mine expansion project is expected to deliver lasting benefits for the Tahltan Nation and people throughout British Columbia by creating jobs and supporting economic growth.
“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,” said Premier David Eby. “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.”
Advancing mining industry in B.C.
The Red Chris Block Cave Underground Mine Expansion (Red Chris expansion), a copper and gold mine 18 kilometres southeast of Iskut, is one of the Province’s 35 priority major projects and has also been added to the federal priority projects list. The recognition highlights the importance of B.C.’s critical-minerals sector to the future of Canada and British Columbia. The project is part of Look West, the Province’s plan to reduce barriers, accelerate major projects, strengthen partnerships with First Nations and create greater certainty through reliable permitting timelines.
“Red Chris expansion project is a priority mining project for British Columbia, and its approval reflects our commitment to responsible resource development that delivers real benefits for people across the province,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. “This approval is the result of strong collaboration between the Province and the Tahltan Nation, demonstrating that First Nations partnerships advance major projects in a way that respects rights, builds trust and strengthens shared prosperity.”
The Red Chris expansion project will move operations from open-pit mining to block-cave underground mining, enhancing production capacity and extending the mine lifespan to 2038, while addressing environmental and community concerns.
The expansion carries a projected capital cost of several billion dollars and will increase ore processing to as much as 15 million tonnes per year. It is anticipated that the expansion will create approximately 1,800 jobs during peak construction and protect the existing 1,500 permanent jobs.
Following a comprehensive and collaborative review process, the Province has approved amendments to the Mines Act permit and Environmental Management Act permit for the expansion of the Red Chris mine. It follows Tahltan Central Government issuing its notice of decision to consent to the project and the Minister of Environment and Parks’ decision to allow the amendment to the environmental assessment certificate.
As a priority project, achieving these approvals reflects efforts to streamline regulatory decision-making, while maintaining British Columbia’s rigorous environmental protection, safety requirements and obligations to meaningful consultation with First Nations.
Advancing responsible mining projects that support critical-mineral development, create good-paying jobs and provide long-term economic stability for communities and workers remains a key priority for the Province.
Reconciliation in delivering prosperity for all of B.C.
“Some have questioned whether recognizing Indigenous rights would make it harder to advance major projects in British Columbia,” said Kerry Carlick, president, Tahltan Central Government. “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."
The Red Chris expansion project has been approved following a collaborative assessment process with the Tahltan Central Government. It is the second assessment conducted under a Section 7 agreement with Tahltan Central Government, demonstrating ongoing collaborative, government-to-government decision-making for the project, as established in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Environmental Assessment Act.
Building on years of collaboration between the Province and the Tahltan Nation, the agreement advances one of B.C.’s priority mining projects, while providing greater clarity for all parties. Developed under the Declaration Act, it supports responsible resource development, well-paying jobs and economic growth, and respect for Indigenous rights and interests. The partnership is delivering benefits locally and provincewide, and this agreement continues that progress. It reflects the important role First Nations play in major-project decision-making and in creating long-term opportunities for communities.
Progress since the Tahltan-B.C. Shared Prosperity Agreement
The Province and Tahltan Nation have worked together for years to advance reconciliation, support economic development in northwestern B.C. and protect the environment. In 2020, the Province and Tahltan Central Government signed a shared prosperity agreement (SPA) to support reconciliation and provide greater certainty for land use. The SPA set out a path toward a long-term plan for working together and created space for jointly designed land-use planning in Tahltan territory that recognizes Tahltan rights and title. The partnership has also led to key agreements, including the Section 7 agreements that supported the approval of the Eskay Creek and Red Chris mine projects.
Building on the work, the Province and Tahltan are advancing updated land-use planning, improvements to Highways 37 and 51, and ongoing collaboration through the 3Nations-BC Partnership Agreement to support land stewardship, economic opportunities and stronger communities. Discussions continue toward a potential foundation agreement focused on shared priorities, such as development, mining partnerships and community well-being.
As work moves forward, the Province will continue to consult with neighbouring First Nations and engage with local governments, interest holders and the public.
Quick Facts:
- The Red Chris property spans more than 230 square kilometres and is located 80 kilometres south of Dease Lake.
- Red Chris Mine is owned by Newmont (70%) and Imperial Metals (30%).
Learn More:
- To find more information about the consent agreement, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments/environmental-assessment-process/act-regulations-agreements#consent_agreements
- To find more information about the environmental assessment certificate, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026ENV0031-000725
- To find more information about the company and the mine, visit: https://operations.newmont.com/canada/red-chris-canada
- To find more information about the Tahltan Central Government, visit: https://tahltan.org/
- To learn more about Declaration Act Section 7 agreements, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/new-relationship/united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples/making-decisions-together
- To learn more about the Declaration Act, visit: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/
Two backgrounders follow.
