The BC government  issued Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits for the New Ingerbelle expansion at the Copper Mountain mine, an operating open-pit copper-gold mine located near Princeton. 

The permits allow the mine to continue operations beyond 2040, supporting jobs and economic stability in the region.

“Mining is an important part of our economy, and the Copper Mountain mine has supported jobs in the Princeton area and southern B.C. for many years,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. “B.C. is Canada’s largest copper producer. Through projects like this, we can continue to lead the way in responsible growth of the critical minerals sector, while maintaining world-class environmental and safety standards and supporting local communities.”

Copper Mountain currently employs approximately 800 people. The extension will help maintain these jobs for years to come, helping support local communities where the majority of workers are from. This marks the third major mine permit approval in 2026, following the Eskay Creek and Mount Milligan permits issued in January. It is the sixth approval in the past 12 months, including Dome Mountain, the Quintette Mine restart and the Highland Valley Copper expansion.

The New Ingerbelle project involves a three‑phase expansion of the existing Ingerbelle Pit, extending the life of Copper Mountain operations beyond 2040. Over the mine’s extended lifespan, it is projected to produce approximately 750,000 tonnes of copper, 900,000 ounces (25,500 kilograms) of gold, and 5.5 million ounces (156,000 kilograms) of silver based on current reserves. Beyond its mineral output, the expansion will act as an economic engine for British Columbia, generating a projected $11.5 billion in provincial gross domestic product, supporting long‑term jobs and regional economic stability.