The British Columbia government approved the Red Chris mine expansion south of Dease Lake on Friday. This multi-billion dollar project, a partnership between Newmont and the Tahltan Nation, transitions the site from open-pit to underground block-cave mining, extending the mine’s operational life to 2038.
How will the Red Chris mine change its mining method?
The expansion moves operations from traditional open-pit mining to a block-cave underground system. This technical shift is designed to increase production capacity and extend the mine’s utility for more than a decade.
According to project details, the new method will allow the mine to increase ore processing to as much as 15 million tonnes per year. This transition is a primary driver for the project’s multi-billion dollar valuation and its status as a priority project for both the B.C. and federal governments.
Block-cave mining is an underground method where ore is undercut to allow it to collapse under its own weight, making it a highly efficient way to extract large volumes of minerals.
How does Indigenous partnership affect project certainty in B.C.?
The Red Chris expansion relies on a collaborative framework between the province, Newmont, and the Tahltan Nation. This partnership is being cited by officials as a model for future resource development in the region.
Premier David Eby stated that partnership agreements with First Nations and predictable processes are creating the certainty required to move major projects forward in British Columbia. He noted that this confidence is driving private-sector investment and creating “family-supporting jobs.”
“The approval of the Red Chris Block Cave Project, developed in partnership with the Tahltan Nation, the Province, and Newmont… shows that meaningful Indigenous involvement creates certainty, strengthens projects and delivers benefits that are shared by all British Columbians.”
— Kerry Carlick, President of the Tahltan Central Government
Carlick addressed previous concerns regarding whether recognizing Indigenous rights would slow industrial progress. She argued that the project’s approval proves that involvement actually strengthens the development process.
What are the economic and safety implications of the expansion?
The project is expected to create approximately 1,800 jobs during its peak construction phase. Beyond immediate employment, the expansion aims to provide long-term economic growth for the region south of Dease Lake.
Safety and operational history
While the expansion promises growth, the site has faced significant safety challenges in the past. Global News reported that last July, three Hy-Tech drilling employees were trapped underground at the mine for two and a half days.
The miners survived in a refuge area equipped with food, water, and air capable of supporting 16 people for 48 hours. The refuge was located approximately 700 metres from the site of the underground collapse.
| Metric | Projected Impact |
|---|---|
| Peak Construction Jobs | ~1,800 |
| Ore Processing Capacity | 15 million tonnes/year |
| Mine Life Extension | Through 2038 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Red Chris mine located?
The mine is located 18 kilometres southeast of Iskut, south of Dease Lake in British Columbia.
Who is the primary developer of the expansion?
The project is being developed by Newmont, which is the world’s largest gold producer, in partnership with the Tahltan Nation.
What kind of minerals are extracted at Red Chris?
The Red Chris mine is a copper and gold mine.
What do you think about the role of Indigenous partnerships in B.C. mining? Leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for more industry updates.
