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.