VICTORIA – The government of British Columbia has officially issued an environmental assessment certificate to Eskay Creek Mining Ltd. This approval enables the company to restart gold and silver mining operations at the site of the former Eskay Creek mine, which is located within Tahltan territory.
According to a news release from the province, the Environmental Assessment Office conducted a “collaborative assessment process” with the Tahltan Central Government. This process is notable as it is described as the first of its kind to be guided by a consent agreement, marking a significant development in the relationship between the government and First Nations regarding land use.
The decision to issue the environmental assessment certificate was made by British Columbia's mining and environment ministers after carefully reviewing the office's report, its recommendations, and a risk assessment provided by the Tahltan Nation. The government indicated that the ministers applied 38 legally binding conditions on the project, which were co-developed with the Tahltan Nation. These conditions aim to mitigate various risks identified during the assessment process, including monitoring impacts on fish populations and air quality, while minimizing community effects in ways that are culturally appropriate.
The release also emphasizes that provincial permits and federal approval are necessary for the project to advance, with those decisions expected to be announced in the near future. Importantly, the environmental assessment certificate mandates that substantial mining activities at the Eskay Creek site must commence by 2036.
If the project receives the needed approvals, it is anticipated to create approximately 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and over 770 jobs during peak operational periods. The overall economic impact of the project is significant, with projected capital expenditures reaching $713 million and anticipated provincial revenues estimated at around $1.2 billion.
In 2022, the engagement process between the British Columbia government and the Tahltan Nation regarding the mine was hailed as the first “consent-based” agreement over land use with a First Nation. This process was significant as it was recognized by the province as the first in Canada undertaken in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, further illustrating the evolving framework of Indigenous rights and environmental regulations in the region.
This news reflects a growing trend of collaboration between governmental bodies and Indigenous nations, aiming to balance economic development with environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights. It underscores an ongoing effort to integrate Indigenous voices into decision-making processes related to land use and resource extraction.
