In a significant development for British Columbia's mining sector, the Mount Milligan copper-gold mine has received regulatory approval to ramp up production and continue operations for another decade. The decision, announced by the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), secures the mine's future until at least 2035 and promises a substantial infusion into the local economy.
Regulatory Approval and Expedited Review Process
The green light was granted on Monday, January 5, 2026, following an intensive nine-month provincial review. The assessment focused on the mine owner's application to not only continue operations but to do so at an expanded rate. The review was comprehensive, examining potential impacts on nearby communities, First Nations, water quality, fish habitat, air quality, and noise levels.
Notably, the project was treated as a priority, allowing the EAO to integrate its assessment with permitting reviews by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals and the Ministry of Environment and Parks. This coordinated approach reduced the typical provincial review timeline by over a year by eliminating duplication and allowing agencies to share expertise, all while maintaining environmental safeguards and fulfilling consultation duties with First Nations.
Economic Impact and Operational Details
The expansion of the Mount Milligan mine carries considerable economic weight for the region. The operation currently employs 600 people, and the approved expansion is projected to contribute an additional $450 million into the local economy.
Operated by Thompson Creek Metals, the existing infrastructure includes an open-pit mine, a tailings storage facility, road access, a transmission line, and a rail shipping facility. The approved changes will see daily ore production increase from 60,000 tonnes to 66,500 tonnes. This boost will be achieved primarily by deepening the existing open pit. Furthermore, the new permit allows for the retaining wall on the mine's tailings dam to be raised by 100 metres to accommodate the increased operation.
Securing a Decade of Mining in Northern B.C.
The decision to extend the mine's life to 2035 provides long-term stability for the workforce and the regional economy centered around Fort St. James in B.C.'s Northern Interior. It underscores the balance the provincial review sought between economic development, environmental protection, and Indigenous consultation.
With final permitting decisions expected imminently, the Mount Milligan mine is now poised for a new chapter of increased productivity. This development highlights the ongoing significance of the mining sector in British Columbia, particularly for projects supplying critical minerals like copper and gold, while adhering to modern environmental and social standards.
