Mount Milligan Copper-Gold Mine Expansion Approved Through 2035

Mining News | 2026-01-06 11:40:46

The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) confirmed the decision after completing a nine-month assessment of the mine owner’s application to operate at a higher production rate.

By Paul Ploumis

Spanish Language

Summary

Approval secured: B.C. authorities approved Mount Milligan’s expansion after a nine-month environmental assessment covering community, environmental, and safety impacts.
Extended mine life and higher output: Operations are cleared to continue until 2035, with daily ore throughput rising from 60,000 to 66,500 tonnes.
Economic boost: The expansion supports around 600 jobs and is expected to generate approximately $450 million for the local economy.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Mount Milligan copper-gold mine near Fort St. James has been approved to expand production and continue operations until 2035, following a detailed regulatory review by British Columbia authorities.

The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) confirmed the decision after completing a nine-month assessment of the mine owner’s application to operate at a higher production rate. The review evaluated potential impacts on nearby communities and First Nations, as well as water resources, fish habitat, air quality, noise, safety risks, and cumulative environmental effects.

The project was designated a priority review, allowing the environmental assessment to be integrated with permitting processes carried out by provincial ministries overseeing mining and environmental protection. Final permitting decisions are expected in the near term.

The Mt. Milligan mine currently employs around 600 people, and the approved expansion is expected to inject approximately $450 million into the local economy over the extended mine life.

Under the new approval, daily ore throughput will increase from 60,000 tonnes to 66,500 tonnes, supported by deepening of the open pit and related infrastructure enhancements, strengthening the mine’s long-term operational outlook.

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What is the most significant impact of the Mount Milligan mine expansion?

Increased copper and gold supply

Longer mine life and operational certainty

Job creation and local economic growth

Frequently Asked Questions

What approval did the Mount Milligan mine receive?
The mine was approved to expand production and extend its operational life through 2035.
Which authority conducted the review?
The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office carried out a nine-month regulatory review.
What were the key areas assessed during the review?
The assessment examined impacts on communities and First Nations, water resources, fish habitat, air quality, noise, safety risks, and cumulative environmental effects.