British Columbia Approves Underground Expansion at Red Chris Mine

The province has approved an expansion that will convert the Red Chris copper-gold mine from open-pit to underground block-cave mining. The mine sits about 80 kilometres south of Dease Lake in northern British Columbia and roughly 130 kilometres from the B.C.-Alaska border.

The transition is expected to raise annual ore processing to as much as 15 million tonnes and extend mine life by more than a decade, according to the Ministry of Environment. The ministry said the change will also improve production efficiency.

The Red Chris mine opened in 2015.

Last year, three contracted workers were trapped after two ground-fall incidents in an underground access tunnel. The expansion is one of 35 major projects the province has placed on a fast-track list. The federal government has also designated the project as one of national interest.

The project is expected to create about 1,800 construction jobs at peak, in addition to the 1,500 positions already at the site. It is managed by Newmont Corporation in partnership with the Tahltan Nation on whose territory the mine is located. "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," Premier David Eby said.

Tahltan Central Government President Kerry Carlick stated that the approval demonstrates how Indigenous involvement can strengthen projects and share benefits. The province said it will continue consultations with neighbouring First Nations and engagement with local governments and the public.