Eskay Creek Mining Ltd. has received approval from the British Columbia government to resume gold and silver mining at the former Eskay Creek mine in Tahltan territory. The province announced the issuance of an environmental assessment certificate following a collaborative process involving the Tahltan Central Government, marking a significant milestone in the region’s mining industry.
The decision to grant the certificate was made by B.C.’s mining and environment ministers after thorough review of the Environmental Assessment Office’s findings and recommendations, as well as a risk assessment conducted by the Tahltan Nation. To address potential environmental and community impacts, 38 binding conditions have been imposed on the project, with a focus on monitoring effects on local ecosystems and minimizing community disruptions in culturally sensitive ways.
While provincial permits and federal approvals are still pending, the project’s proponents are optimistic about the upcoming decisions. If given the green light, the Eskay Creek mine is projected to create over 1,000 jobs during construction and sustain more than 770 positions at peak production, injecting significant economic benefits into the region.
With a deadline set for substantial commencement by 2036 under the environmental assessment certificate, the Eskay Creek mine revival represents a promising opportunity for the local economy and workforce. The collaboration between the province and the Tahltan community, hailed as a groundbreaking “consent-based” agreement, underscores a positive step towards responsible resource development in alignment with Indigenous rights.