B.C. Approves Environmental Assessment for Skeena Resources’ Eskay Creek Mine, Canada
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The B.C. government has issued an environmental assessment certificate that would permit an unused underground gold and silver mine in the Stikine Region to become an open-pit mine.
On Monday, the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, Skeena Resources and the Tahltan Nation said the reopening of the Eskay Creek Mine would be subject to 38 conditions, including giving the Tahltan Nation a role in monitoring compliance throughout the life of the project.
The underground mine, situated within B.C.’s golden triangle, was operated by Barrick Mining Corporation from 1994 to 2008, during which 3.3 million ounces of gold and 160 million ounces of silver were extracted.
In 2020, the mine was purchased by Skeena Resources.
The Eskay Creek Mine redevelopment was among 18 resource projects that B.C. Premier David Eby promised to fast-track last February as a way to stimulate the economy in light of the U.S. government’s increased tariff policy.
Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Jagrup Brar said the environmental assessment process was the first to be guided by a consent agreement, signed with the Tahltan Nation.
“The Environmental Assessment Office conducted the assessment on behalf of both the provincial and federal governments,” Brar said.
“One assessment carried out by the EAO is used for decisions by both levels of government, eliminating the need for two assessments for a single project. The EAO’s assessment featured unprecedented collaboration with provincial permitting agencies, federal regulators and (Tahltan Nation) to streamline the reviews, share expertise and determine the best-placed regulator to oversee various conditions. These efforts improved efficiency, reduced duplication and increased clarity for regulators and the company,” Brar added.
Provincial permits and federal approval are still required for the project to proceed.
Skeena Resources is a leading precious metals developer that is focused on advancing the Eskay Creek Gold-Silver Project — a past producing mine located in the renowned Golden Triangle in British Columbia, Canada. Eskay Creek will be one of the highest-grade and lowest cost open-pit precious metals mines in the world, with substantial silver by-product production that surpasses many primary silver mines. Skeena is committed to sustainable mining practices and maximizing the potential of its mineral resources. In partnership with the Tahltan Nation, Skeena strives to foster positive relationships with Indigenous communities while delivering long-term value and sustainable growth for its stakeholders.
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